SHIPS TERRIBLE VOYAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2095, 3 June 1907, Page 2

SHIPS TERRIBLE VOYAGE.

EXPERIENCES OF THE GLENLUI.

Press Association.

DUNEDIN, Saturday.

Further particulars regarding tho experiences of tho Glonlui, which was towed into Port Chalmers yesterday, show that the second mate was twice washed out of his bunk, which happened to be a top one. This will -rive some idea of the voume of water that continually broke in under the break of tho poop. The steward was caught near the door and borne through the alleyway and saloon, and then hurled against a bicycle hanging in the extreme stern. Everytiling in the messroom was broken to pieces, and the after-saloon and captain’s quarters were

SWAMPED TO THE CEILING. Tho doors of tho storerooms were forced inwards, and tons of water poured down the hatchway in the lazarette, and thence found its into tho hold among tho cargo or wheat, in four-bushel bags. Tho after-part of the vessel suffered most severely, but he forecastle and forward deckhouses stood the strain better than might have been expected.

A PLUCKY COOK

The cook did his utmost in the face of great difficulties to provide hot tea and food for the half-frozen crew, but he was washed out of galley amid an assortment of cooking utensils. The galley funnel was torn off, together with all other top-hamper stowed on top of the deckhouses, but directly the weather moderated the indefatigable ’’doctor” shored up his fallen chimney with bits of planks and got his fire going again.

Nearly everybody on board, it appears, gave up the ship for lost, but under the orders of the captain, second mate, and boatswain, the

CREW WORKED WITH A WILL, hoping against)hope. A spah was fitted to the rudder-head, arid the helm lashed hard a-lee. The lower topsails having been blown from the bolt ropes, the ship lay to the wind under a foretopmast staysail and tarpaulin spread in the mizzen rigging. The vessel plunged bodily through the waves, and seemed to be gradually settling down. It was impossible to remain on deck, and through the night the officers and crew huddled under the shelter of tarpaulins on the poop. While

NEARLY A WRECK,

and without boats, the apparently sinking ship groaned and shuddered in the dark.

About daybreak the foretopmast staysail sheet parted, and the sail flapping thunderously, tugged and strained at' the stays, threatening to bring down the foremast. The mate and the boatswain went forward, and succeeded in furling the sail. They had nearly regained tho comparative safety of the poop, when the vessel took a huge sea over the starboard quarter, which

CARRIED THE MATE OVER THE SIDE.

Lines were thrown to him, but they fell short. His face under his sou’-wester was visible for a little, with a look of pathetic despair, arid then he sank. He was clothed in heavy sea-boots arid oilskins, which materially fettered his movements. Nothing, however,- could possibly have been done to save him. The boatswain was also caught by the same sea", which, fortunately for him, washed him under a skid, where he was extricated later half-drowned and covered with bruises. He was then caught by another sea, but clutched the life-line. He says he thought his arms were being : torn out.

The name of the first mate was Evan Jones, aged 29. His address was 23 W right-street, Carnarvon, North Wales. Jones was well known in New Zealand and Australian ports. He joined the Glenlui at Adelaide from the ship Hazel Craig. He is believed to have been unmarried. THE CAPTAIN’S STORY.

Captain R. C. Scott, a mariner of wide experience, and 38 years’ service in sailing ships, hails from Liverpool. When interviewed, he showed unmistakable signs of the ordeal ' through which lie has.'just passed. “I suppose you have not been to sleep for three days or nights?” asked a sympathetic bystander. The captain considered, and then replied, “No, not for a week.” The storm which raged on Monday and Tuesday was one of the worst he has ever experienced. Owing to the size of the waves and the fury of the storm, ho believed it would be impossible to bring the ship to the wind, and their only chance of safety lay in running before the gale. At 'one time the vessel was going 14 knots an hour •under lower topsails. The captain has lost uninsured private property valued at over £IOO. One whole suit of sails, except the royals, have been torn to ribbons. Both fresh water tanks are full of salt water, and the starboard tank has. been stove-in. During tlie pumping one of the pumps got out of gear, hut the crew redoubled their efforts on the one remaining. It is impossible as yet to gauge the extent of the damage douo to the cargo, but there is evidently still a great deal of water in the hold. During tlie gale, Captain Scott says lie cannot explain liow tli'a time passed. Day and night were merely A' SUCCESSION OF CALAMITIES. The cargo will probably be discharged, and the vessel docked for repairs, hut Captain Scott is taking no steps before instructions arriv from Home. When asked if his recent experience had not made him tired of the sea, lie replied, “So tired that if there was a bridge from here to Liverpool I’d walk Home.” -