UNA DISCOVERY CONFUSION.

The West Australian, Perth, 8 April, 1912.

At a point 33 miles N.N.W. of the (Bedout)

island, however, a quantity of wreckage was

found, including a mast from one of the

ship's boats, and what appeared to be some

cabin panels. In the opinion of the Una's

master the wreckage seemed to be floating

up from the bottom of the sea. The information 

was conveyed to Mr. W. E. Moxon, manager 

of the Adelaide S.S. Co., who subsequently 

despatched a telegram to Captain Rantzau, 

master of the Una, requesting further information 

as to his opinion regarding the wreckage floating 

up from the bottom. In reply a telegram was 

received stating that the crew had picked up

all the floating wreckage visible, and had then 

proceeded to dinner. On coming on deck 

subsequently more wreckage was discovered, 

giving rise to the impression that the woodwork 

must have been rising from the bottom.

It should be explained in regard to the

mast which was picked up that each ship's

boat is complete with all accessories, such as

rudder tiller, sails, mast, and so on, in order

that in the event of a catastrophe when the

boat is lowered into the water all her gear is

ready for use immediately. The mast picked up 

evidently belonged to one or other of the ship's 

boats, portions of which have been found during 

the past few days some distance away from 

Bedout Island.

Subsequent to the disaster it was interpreted by some that Koombana's one mast was found at the position quoted; 33 miles NNW of Bedout Island. As outlined in the report, the mast referred to one of the lifeboats. Together with the 'impression' that wreckage must have been rising up from the bottom, many searches for the missing steamer were conducted in this location - to no avail. 

courtesy State Library of South Australia

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courtesy Trove