DYING FOR WANT OF WATER.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 448, 20 November 1875, Page 3

DYING FOR WANT OF WATER.

The following account of a recent incident at sea has been obliginglj sent to us (Hong Kong Times) for publication :—One of those pleasing incidents which tend so much to foster a feeling of brotherhood between men of different nationalities occurred during the present trip of the steamship Gordon Castle from Hong Kong to London, before she reached Singapore. The steamer,, made an unusually pleasant and favorable run, the commander and officers being desirous of distinguishing themselves by as quick a passage as was consistent with the safety of the ship. On Sunday, 13th June, in the afternoon, a vessel was discerned on the port side about six miles distant. On a nearer approach, those on the look-out could read the signal on the stranger.—" Dying for want of water." It would be difficult to convey a correct idea of the intense interest excited in the breasts of almost everyone on board the steamer as the words passed from one to another. The watch below were, in less time than it takes to describe it, on deck, and every eye was turned to the unfortunate vessel. The commander, Captain Jones, had already altered the course of the Gordon Castle ; and as she swept through the water on her errand of mercy, preparations were quickly made to pass the needed supply of water over her side. The vessel proved to be the Ernest, of Nantes, a French barque. It is needless to attempt to describe the feelings which must have passed through the minds of the unfortunate men on board the French vessel, as, clustered in their rigging, they watched the approach of the steamer. As soon as it was practicable, a boat put off from the barque, and the steamer having stopped, they were soon alongside, and eagerly filled the casks in their boat with the water which was passed over to them. The first officer, who was in charge of the boat, stated that they were from Antwerp, bound for Hong Kong, 135 days out. It appears that four days before falling in with the Gordon Castle, when trying to pump water from the tank, they found that it had been broken and was empty, the water having all leaked out. They were supplied with 500 gallons of water, a mess of fresh potatoes, and a few pounds of tobacco ; and then, with many expressions of gratitude, they returned to their ship. The steamer then got under way, seeking by increased exertion to make up for the detention. Not the least pleasing feature in the whole transaction, and one which reflects honour on our national character, was that the Frenchmen stated that as soon as they saw that it was an English vessel, they at once knew that they should be relieved.