Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 90]
1915.
the bow disappearing from sight. Just as she had gone, a small steamboat on her upper deck managed to wriggle itself free, & gaily floated after the ship had gone down. It is a painful thing to see a ship sink at sea, for ship at that moment seems to possess a sense of feeling, & would almost seem to possess a soul. The "Elinor Woermann" was a well appointed ship, & was, at least, worth £250,000. The Captain was very much upset after having seen his ship go down. He, the Chief Engineer, the Doctor, & Chief Officer were permitted to live in the Wardroom, & they proved good mess-mates, being cheerful, contented, & not assertive, as is the way of some Germans. They all spoke English well.
Jan.10
The weather grew much warmer now, for we had now entered the Tropics once more. The day before arriving at Abrolhos Island we sighted a small boat with several people in it. It was at first thought that they might be survivors from a sunken vessel, but on drawing closer, it was observed to be a small sailing boat with mast down, manned by natives, who were busy fishing. A Swedish steamer was also rounded up, but we allowed her to continue on her course.
Jan. 12
We arrived at Abrolhos Island on Monday at 12 mid-night, & anchored about 3½ miles from the shore. Early next morning a collier came alongside, & we spent the day