The Western Australian Times/12 December 1876

Further particulars connected with the "Georgette" — We have had an opportunity of personally learning from a youth named Alexander David, ages 13 years, one of the survivors of the unfortunate "Georgette", a few particulars in connection with the foundering of that vessel, which cannot fail to be interesting to a large portion of our readers. It appears that this youth, with his mother who has been unhappily lost, were of the number of those who took to the life boat when the "Georgette" began to fill. In a collision with the steamer while the boat was alongside, the latter, with its living freight on board, seems to have been broken up, and those who sought refuge in her were literally cast upon the waters, some to be mercifully saved, and others to be unhappily lost and mourned over. On the capsizing of the lifeboat, another boat manned by two of the Messrs. Dempsters, passengers by the "Georgette" came to the succor, and by exertions beyond all praise, succeeded in rescuing eight persons, we understand, from a watery grave: according to our informant these are Mrs. Simpson and child, Mrs. Stemmers and two children, cabin boy Nunan, mate of the "Georgette" known as Scotty, and a sailor named Archy. Those lost by the disaster are already known; but happily, one of the number so reported, has turned up. By swimming he enabled to keep afloat until he reached the steamer, when he managed to climb up her side, and thus he eventually reached the shore in safety. Here the survivors were met by a bullock team which conveyed them to the residence of Mr. A. P. Bussell, where they were kindly and hospitably received; and after remaining there for one and two days, they were sent to the Vasse, where they found the "Ione" wating to take to take them to Fremantle. We trust that the noble conduct of Messrs. Dempster will meet with a fitting recognition. Twenty miles at sea, and under the circumstances in which they rendered successful assistance, it would be a difficult matter to say too much in praise of their gallant efforts. We also hear a young lady, Miss Grace Bussell, also distinguished herself by the display of really heroic conduct. She rode alone on horseback into the surf and assisted to drag in one of the boats.