TERRIBLE TALE OF SHIPWRECK.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2575, 12 January 1889, Page 2 (Supplement)

TERRIBLE TALE OF SHIPWRECK.

Tiie screw streamer Timor, of Newcastle, owned by Messrs Nelson and Donkin, arrived in the Tyne on 27th October, bringing particulars of a shipwreck and terrible suffering at sea. During a passage from Savannah to England, laden with cotton and cork, severe weather was experienced, the sea breaking over the ship fore and aft, and doing considerable damage. About eleven o'clock in the forenoon of one of the days a wreck was sighted. It appeared to be a waterlogged ship. The course of the Timor was altered, and on approaching the wreck a flag of distress was observed, and it was found that the ship was totally dismasted, and her decks were level with the water. The only safe part about the ship was tho deck house, where a pitiable sight was to be seen. The whole of the crew, including the captain's wife aud two daughters, were huddled together upon it, When the Timor got within hailing distance it was found that the three females were in a pitiable condition, they being scantily dressed, and suffering greatly from cold. The vessel proved to be the American schooner William and Richard, belonging to Boston, with a full cargo of timber. The chief officer of the Timor, Mr Barker, of Sunderland, at once launched a boat, and with several of the crew soon got alongside the vessel. The crew aud passengers were as quickly as possible got on board the Timor, where they were well cared for. The weather shortly afterwards set in very stormy, and no trace of the waterlogged vessel could bo seen. The master of the William and Richard stated that his vessel left Westminster laden with timber, bound to the West Indies, with a crew of six seamen, the captain's wife and two daughters. They had only been at sea a short time when a dreadful gale was experienced, sweeping the decks of all things movable. The vessel also sprang a leak, and at times gave alarming indications of heeling over. The ladies, as stated had a bitter experience. They were lying in their, berths when a sea filled the cabin The captain's daughters were thrown violently out of their berths and almost drowned, being up to their waists in water. Hearing their cries their father rushed into the cabin, and took them on deck. The seas at that time were making a complete breach over the vessel. The captain fearing that his wife and daughters would be washed overboard lashed them to the main booin. They suffered greatly from the waut of clothing, as they were exposed to the bitter cold and drenching seas. A heavy sea struck tho vessel, which set the deck cargo adrift, and shortly afterwards the mast fell, carrying the helpless women overboard. They were caught, however, by the captain aud a sailor, and dragged 011 board. They were found to be severely injured and bruised about the body. Afterwards they succeeded in clinging to the deck house, where they remained for three days and nights without food or drinking water, at the same time being repeatedly drenched by the sea. The bravery of the chief officer was acknowledged by the Government of the United States, who presented him with a gold medal of the highest order. The shipwrecked crew were subsequently landed.