TERRIBLE ADVENTURE AT SEA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2683, 8 June 1889, Page 5 (Supplement)

TERRIBLE ADVENTURE AT SEA.

Mn A. M. Battyu, engineer of the steamer Gulf of Trinidad, which arrived at Plymouth recently from Barbadoes, narrates an almost unexampled adventure which befel him during the. voyage o! that ship. The Gulf of Trinidad, whilevoyaging from Iquique for Europe, encountered heavy weather,during which, soon after midnight on a dark niiiht, Battyo was washed overboard. The accident was observed on board, and a lifebuoy was immediately thrown over, and the vessel stopped. Battye sank deeply when reaching the water, but on rising to the surface he struck out swim ming, ar.d reached the lifebuoy. The way of the steamer had carried her far beyond him, and, though a boat was lowered, the prospect of finding him in such weather, and at night, was almost, hopeless. Battye soon ceased to see the ship, and when daylight broke ho found himself alone ou "the lifebuoy a hundred miles, as far as ho knew, from any help. He kept afloat throughout the next day, although tho tropical heat of the sun was intense. The following night he suffered terribly from being without anything to eat or drink, and was in momentary dauger of being swallowed by tho sharks of that region. Another day ho held ou with amazing endurance, his physical exhaustion and mental anxiety being intense. For the next night "lie ceased to feel hungry, but suffered from excessive thirst. The third day dawned to find him still in the same position. On the evening of that day a Norwegian barque passed close by him, the steersman of which saw an object in tho water, and thought, he saw Battye move. The barque was immediately put about and a boat lowered, and a short search found the buoy with Battye still cliupiu? to it, although when taken on. board the barque he was insensible. He was treated with great earo and kindness by the Norwegians, and, being transferred to a home ship, has arrived in Plymouth to toll hi* marvellous tale. He is a fine young man, 23 years of age. The Norwegian captain retained tho iifobuoy as a memento of tho wonderful adventure. Mr Battye has proceeded for his home in London.