E M I G R A N T SHIP D E S T R O Y E D BY FIRE.
On the 4th June, 1841, the "India," with 198 persons (crew included) sailed from Greenock for Port Phillip, and proceeded safely until the 20th July, when in 16 south lat. and 33 west long., she speedily came to grief from a very simple cause. The third mate and a boy, were drawing off spirits from a cask below. The mate bungled by accidentally spilling some rum, and the boy did worse by accidentally dropping a lighted candle into the spilled liquor. The whole place blazed up instantaneously, and the mate and the boy rushed shouting on deck, closely pursued by the flames, with which they had a neck-and-neck race. The ship in a short time was on fire from stem to stern, and the greatest consternation prevailed. A French whaler was made out some nine miles to windward, but it was an hour before she noticed the disaster, and then at once steered for the blazing vessel, on nearing which the French boats were lowered, and every help rendered. The " India's" boats were in the meantime got afloat, but thefirstwas rushed and overloaded, when it capsized, and several persons were drowned. The swamping of this boat deterred the French boats from approaching close to the wreck, and it was owing to the activity and bravery of the first mate of the " India" that any life was saved. H e was in the boat that turned over, and getting out of the sea into another boat> by extraordinary presence of mind and exertion, he succeeded in removing every living soul from the sinking vessel to the French boats, whence they were transferred to the whaler. Many of the refugees were almost naked, as before they were rescued their clothes were burned off their backs. Nothing whatever was saved of either ship or cargo. The unfortunates snatched from a terrible death were landed at Rio de Janeiro, where liberal provision was made for them. Over ,£1000 was subscribed to present the captain with a gold chronometer (though the mate deserved it better), to refit the shipwrecked officers and crew, and assist the emigrants, but very little of it the last mentioned got. To this fund the officers and crew of the " Potomac," an American frigate then in port, contributed 500 dollars. Seventeen of the passengers, the boatswain, and one of the crew were drowned. The remainder were kept at Rio until means were found of sending them to Port Phillip, and they ultimately arrived in Melbourne, when prompt measures were taken to provide for their relief.
THE SCHOONER " ROVER,"
Was under way from Sydney to Port Phillip with a cargo of Government stores, and on the 13th October, 1841, was hurricaned, and compelled to put into Brulee Harbour for safety. A terrific surf raged there, tearing the vessel from her anchorage, and driving her ashore. Captain Boyce (the master), the mate, one soldier and six prisoners of the Crown were drowned.
BURNING OF THE "GOVERNOR ARTHUR."
This casualty happened at the Melbourne Wharf early on the morning of the 23rd December, 1841, when the steamer, plying between Melbourne and Williamstown, was destroyed, under the following circumstances :—On the wind-up of the day's work the previous evening thefirewas drawn from the furnace, thrown into an iron box—its usual receptacle—and some buckets of water drenched over it, as was thought, to thoroughly extinguish it. This, it seems, was not effected, for about 2 o'clock next morning, it was discovered that the vessel was on fire. An alarm was given, and the crews of some small craft in the vicinity rendered prompt assistance. One discreditable exception there was in the crew of a brig named "The Supply," anchored close by, point blank refusing help. At length, by breaking, the vessel was scuttled, with only her mast, funnel, and bowsprit above water. She was valued at ,£2500, and in a few days after wasfloated.In time she was refitted; but never came to much account.
