The West Australian, Wednesday 16 December, 1908
THE STORM AT CONDON.
SEVERAL DERELICT LUGGERS.
Condon, December 15.
• A severe storm took place here on the
7th, 8th, and 9th inst., the glass falling
slowly on the 7th. The wind increased to
a hurricane, blowing from east to south
east from about 5 p.m. on the 8th. until
3 a.m. on the 9th. The lowest glass was
29.30.
One assumes that lessons were learned with regard to the pattern and warnings of cyclones in the Nor'-West. This notably destructive willy willy was heralded by the barometer falling slowly. Furthermore, the reading dropped from 29.9 to the lowest reading, 29.30 (down 0.6) during the worst of the hurricane conditions. Wind came from the east which was an important indicator. The barometer reading, Port Hedland, 6 a.m., 20 March, 1912, was 29.50 (down 0.4) and wind from the NE. Did they need further convincing??
Port Hedland was apparently on the
edge of the disturbance. The morning of
Tuesday, the 8th inst., saw the sky over
cast with heavy clouds.. There was a
strong wind from the south-east, which
by 8 o'clock was from east, and at 11
o'clock from the north-east.. It was then
almost impossible for pedestrians to
make headway against it. At 6 p.m.
the wind had gone back to the east and
lulled somewhat. The lowest barometrical
record was 29.28 deg. at 5 p.m. on the
8th. This, curiously enough, is identical
with the point reached by the barometer
at the Port Hedland Post Office during the
Wallal blow last April.
No damage was done at.Port Hedland.
The rainfall locally was 12 points, but
the surrounding stations report much
heavier falls.
A fascinating comparison with the morning of 20 March, 1912. In this instance, cloud cover and winds were stronger, but in both cases, winds NOT destructive; heavy rains reported. The brunt of hurricane-force winds struck Condon, as reported, 47 n miles to the northeast of Port Hedland. Interesting that the centre of the 'Koombana Blow' hit Balla Balla, 50 n miles to the southwest. It does appear that the cyclone was moving down the coast (La Grange / Wallal / Condon) and the full force should theoretically have impacted Port Hedland in due course.
If the cyclone, as reported, made landfall and tracked inland at Condon instead of striking Port Hedland, the wind direction should have shifted clockwise through south and into the southwest and west. Shifting to east and then northeast is the wrong way round for this scenario.
The system must have tracked down the coast, hugging land until it reached Condon, whereupon it shifted direction and headed back out to sea rather than inland. What remained of the system tracked westward, well out to sea, producing wind direction shifts, as described, hurricane forces by-passing Port Hedland.
One thing is clear, although Port Hedland in both cases, escaped wind destruction, heavy precipitation was a component of the broader system.
Given examples such as this, it would initially have been difficult for the two captains to predict where the impending cyclone was and it's direction of movement (common denominator; wind from the east). However, once at sea, and Koombana filling tanks, it would have become obvious that Bullarra would be steaming into the system and Koombana not; illustrated by this important eye witness account of a cattleman on board Bullarra steaming southwestward:
"After lunch, while having a smoke, looking
ahead, I noticed away on the starboard bow
and just above the horizon, a dense mass
of inky black clouds and from descriptions
I'd had from old pearlers, I was convinced
we were in for it."
Full report:
THE PEARLING
DISASTER.
LAST TUESDAY'S HURRICANE
NEWS FROM BROOME.
HEAVY -DEATH ROLL,
20 LIVES LOST.
26 MEN MISSING.
SEVERAL BOATS UNACCOUNTED
FOR.
COAST STREWN WITH WRECKAGE.
Broome, December 15.
After the very severe weather experienced
here during Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday,
the 6th, 7th, and 8th inst., when over 5in. of
rain fell, accompanied by terrific winds, grave
fears were entertained for the safety of those boats that
had not made Broome.
The first intimation of anything to
cause alarm for those outside was a
telegram received from the postmaster at
La Grange in answer to one sent, by Mr.
Davis, which read as follows:--"December
12. From postmaster, La Grange, to
M. Rubins.-Regret unable give information.
Trying but unable get messenger to go down.
Understand McDonald is at Bossut. Chamberlain
arrived there on Sunday; was to have left for
his boats to-day. Weather very bad here.
Will send messenger soon as possible "
Later on the same day Mr. Davis received
from the postmaster at La Grange
the following:--"Two of Johnstone's
boats foundered trying to enter Bossut
Creek. Three Japanese drowned. There
were several boats outside which are
supposed to have gone south. No details.
Information meagre. All of Chamberlain's
boats safe. Tremendous seas running.
Supposed several boats along the
90-mile Beach. Messenger leaves Bossut
to-night." "From J. McDonald, La Grange, to:
M. Rubins.- One of William's boats, fiddle-bowed,
came into Bossut yesterday. No other strangers
except Delaware.", "From, postmaster;
La Grange, to M. Rubins.- Bardwell just
arrived here.' Flora. lost and supposed
Lilian also -at Gourdon Bay."
On receipt of the above telegrams Mr.
Davis, still desirous of obtaining the fullest
possible information, again telegraphed to
the postmaster at La Grange to spare no
expense, in keeping him well posted with
all details that may come in and to render
what assistance he could.
On the following day, the 11th inst.,,the
following further telegrams were received:-
"From Postmaster, La Grange,
-to M. "Rubins.--Man has started from
here to patrol beach and report by telephone.
Association bearing expense."
Later on in the day the postmaster
again telegraphed:--"Marion here, lost
mainmast. No report of schooner. Johnson
lost two boats, Clarke one. Plenty
boats outside trying to get in ,dismasted.
Some boats in Whistler's Creek on beach.
Various others supposed to be ashore
along beach. Police left this morning
to patrol beach. Bardwell lost two,
one at Gourdon 'Bay."
From this it will be noticed that a
mistake has arisen somewhere. The
Flora and the Lilian are the two boats.
referred to, under Mr. Bardwell's charge,
but the latter arrived in Broome on
Wednesday, and is now probably at
Gourdon Bay with the object of refloating
the Flora. The surmise that the
Lilian had foundered was no doubt due
to the fact that she was known to be
endeavouring to enter Gourdon Bay, but
instead she made for Broome.
-Mr. Davis. also received. the following
telegram from Mr. Joe Eacott, who
rendered such valuable aid during the
April blow. Five other men arrived at
station and reported Grace was on the
beach 10 miles below Chain Mangrove.
One man drowned. Another lugger sank
close to their boat. When they parted
chains they cut both masts out. Reported
schooner in difficulties when last seen.
Grace's diver saw eight other boats cut
masts out; five men now at station requiring
assistance. Keeping them pending orders."
Mr. Stanley Rigall, the secretary of the
Pearlers' Association, received the
following telegram :-"Two Malays arrived
at Eacott's and report lugger Louisa
ashore Joubert and that a lot of other
boats cut away their masts. This blow
worse than last one. Lugger Welcome
wrecked, at Whistler's Creek. No reply
from Bossut yet."
At 8 a.m. on the 11th inst. the line.
man reported from the south side of
Zumfeld's station that Mr. Gregory's
schooner was ashore and that there was
other wreckage along the beach. Mr
Zumfeld and other men are on the beach
to try and assist. The Pearlers' Association
has despatched the steamer Sultan to search
pearling grounds as far as Mount Blaze. A
lugger has also been despatched from
Bossut for the same purpose, but to work
close in shore. A man with horses and a
telephone instrument has been sent from
La Grange to the coast near Zumfeld's and
patrols have been .established on the 90
Mile Beach.-. The postmasters at Condon
and Wallal have been asked to supply all
information.
The Sultan, which arrived here on
Thursday morning after a very severe
passage from Port Hedland, left port
with the object of patrolling the coast
and rendering assistance. This action
was taken after consultation between the
acting Resident Magistrate. (Mr. A. S.
Forbes), the representatives of the
Pearlers' Association, and Captain
Townley. Mr. Forbes is acting on behalf
of the Government, although in view of the
fact that telegraphic communication was
impossible no instructions were received
from Perth.
The Sultan returned on the 13th
bringing the body of one of the crew of
the "Kalander Bux", who died on board
through exposure, and the body of W.
Lumsen, which had been found in his
lugger Eva, which was dismasted and in
a pitiful plight near the Alto wreck.
On Wednesday rumours were current
that several boats which had met with
disaster were making for Barred Creek.
Corporal Stewart at once despatched
a mounted constable to render any
assistance necessary. Mr. Nishcojra
also took the commendable action of
sending out two men with the same
object. On reaching the creek 16 luggers
were found snugly at anchor, with nothing
to report. The majority have since arrived in
Broome.
In a conversation with Mr. Davis he
said.that it had been reported from La
Grange that the Kalander Bux was
ashore at Zumfeld Station. He telegraphed
to the postmaster at La Grange
to engage men to patrol the coast and
render necessary assistance. "From
Broome," he said, "we sent two schooners
and four luggers for relief and to assist
anyone in distress. As far as we know
our firm has two luggers ashore, probably
total wrecks and up to now only one man
is reported drowned. About a dozen luggers
have arrived, all having lost one or both masts,
but there are six or eight still to be accounted for,
as well as the schooner Muriel. It is probable
that the Kalander Bux will be
a total wreck, and I fear loss of life
also."
Mr. Norman (Messrs. Robinson and Norman),
the majority of whose fleet, have
been in for some time, said that so far
no casualties had occurred with any of
their boats. The Ena was all right.
having merely slipped her anchor and
gone into Billaret. The damage done was
slight.
Messrs. Streeter and Co. were also fortunate
in having most of their boats laid up, and
little damage was done to those which had
arrived. The Nellie fleet is safe in the creek
at Broome.
The following telegram was received at
10.42 o'clock on Saturday morning, the
12th inst.:-"Noonan just arrived here.
Says Alto wrecked south of Kalander
Bux. Gregory buried his mate on 10th
inst. He further says schooner had no
chance. Seas were coming right over
masts. Two your master's luggers
passed Mangrove Point yesterday going
Broome." The reading not being quite
clear. Mr. Davis asked for a confirmatory
telegram, and received the following
from La Grange on Saturday at 2 p.m.:
"Showed Noonan yours. He now gives
me this information: Bux wrecked about
45 miles south from here. Alto wrecked
six miles further on.- Zumfeld sent
man along beach to Wallal, report if
there any wreckage south of Alto.
Three of Zumfeld's men met Noonan
and told him that captain of Alto had
walked to Gregory's boat;- Both captains
considered their boats hopelessly wrecked.
As far as Noonan knows, Gregory and
rest of crew safe, but Gregory very
depressed over loss. Noonan says special
messenger should reach Gregory to-
night, so we may get, fuller information
in morning. Noonan leaving early
morning and will take and deliver any
message, .
The following telegram was received
by Mr: Rubins, of Broome, from Mr.
Gregory, the captain of the Kalander
Bux:- La Grange, December 13.--Bux
total wreck. Smashed mizzen. Tillen
and four crew missing; Young dead.-
Luggers Congdon, Struggler,, Gracie
ashore south of Mangroves. Many
boats unaccounted for. Alto wrecked,
but undamaged. Survivors of Bux and
Alto about six miles apart in various
stages of collapse and cut about.
Beach covered with wreckage. Three
bodies recovered to-day: Zumfeld and
police and extra men patrolling coast
both ways."
Later another wire was received from
the postmaster at La Grange as follows:
--"Spoke special messenger this morning
near Noonan's. Gregory had left overland
for Bossut, and should reach there to-night.
Bux total wreck; gone to pieces. Young, the
mate, was drowned, and buried by Gregory.
From information messenger: has gleaned
Alto so far undamaged. One of crew of lugger
Tasmania, who had been in water three days
since Tuesday, landed on beach yesterday
near Mangrove Point. He is much cut about
and says Tasmania sunk and five of crew
drowned. Several masts and spars. lying along
beach; and one dingey named Cosyais on
beach near Mangrove. Nine of Alto's crew saved.
Endeavouring. to get messenger ride to
Bossut with note from Gregory. Special
messenger endeavours reach Alto wreck
to-night and speak to-morrow morning
at 6. Beach very heavy; travelling difficult.
Man unable say if valuables saved."
It is now definitely known that the
following lives have been lost:
C. J. Miller, clerk, formerly of this
Railway Department, Perth.
W. H. Young, mate, whose body
was recovered and buried on the
10th. S. A. Tillen, carpenter formerly
a diver, and who was slightly paralysed.
Nine Asiatics. They belonged to the
Kalander Bux which is now a total
wreck.' :
The Alto, belonging to Messrs. Newman;
Goldstein, and Co., is high and dry on the
beach and should the weather not
become boisterous in the meantime may
be floated off in March. The majority of the
latter firm's luggers are now accounted for,
but there are four still missing carrying in
all 23 hands. There is little hope of these
being found alive as a lot of wreckage is
washed ashore at the 90-mile Beach.
''Mr. Johnstone's Pet is lost, with three
Japanese: ,.
The following is a list of the missing
luggers :-Lily, Leori ; Alfred, and
Tasmania (schooner Alto); Langdon,
Gracie, Louisa, Struggler, Ray (schooner
Kalandar Bux ); The Vivian;, belonging to
Mr. M'Cornmack is missing, and the
Batguara, Don, and Sutherland are also
missing.
So far 20 lives are known to have been
lost, and 26 men are missing. The lost
vessels are the Kalander Bux schoone,
the Alto, schooner; and 12 or 14 luggers
missing. This blow was more severe
than the last, but fortunately the
majority of the boats were laid up
in the creek at Broome.
THE STORM AT CONDON.
SEVERAL DERELICT LUGGERS.
Condon, December 15.
• A severe storm took place here on the
7th, 8th, and 9th inst., the glass falling
slowly on the 7th.. The wind increased to
a hurricane, blowing.from east to south
west from about 5 p.m. on the 8th. until
3 a.m. on the 9th. The lowest glass was
29,30.
Several pearling boats had been sighted
off here before the blow came on. Some
luggers belonging to Messrs. Banger and
McDaniell's ran into Condon Creek on the
9th; and to all outward appearances they
looked like derelict. All, had one mast blown
away, and one lugger in tow had lost both
masts. The schooner Merlin, with Messrs.
Banger and McDaniells and Captain Irvine,
aboard, came into the creek on the 9th.
with four more luggers. The schooner
had a miraculous escape, having lost
both anchors and had blown before the
wind for 10 hours. Out of 11 luggers
belonging to them only one is missing,
the Seagull. It is feared that she is
lost. The schooner Minnie was sighted
off here before the blow. She was trying
to reach the creek. The wind being too strong,
she was then headed north, and has not been
heard of since. A lugger arrived this evening
from a visit to Turtle and Bedout Islands. No
trace of any wreckage could be found.
PORT HEDLAND' NEWS.
A SCHOONER MISSING.
Port Hedland, December 15.
The pearling disaster reported from
Wallal is causing considerable anxiety
here. The schooner Minnie, well known
in Port Hedland, in charge of her owner
(Mr. Harry O'Grady), who had with him
two other white men and a coloured
cook, left here for Broome, via Condon,
Wallal, and La Grange Bay, on the 3rd
inst., and was off Condon the following
Monday. This was the day before the
hurricane came, since when no tidings
of her have been received.
The fleets of the Westward Pearling
Company and Mr. McDaniell, working in
company off Condon, had a bad time.
Three of Mr. McDaniell's luggers had
to cut away the mizzen-mast, one of the
Westward Company's luggers lost both
masts, while two others lost all their
ground tackle. The lugger Seagull,
belonging to the Westward Company, is
still missing, and notwithstanding diligent
search around Turtle and Bedout Islands
no trace of her has been found.
It is feared that she has foundered.
Port Hedland was apparently on the
edge of the disturbance. The morning of
Tuesday, the 8th inst., saw the sky over
cast with heavy clouds.. There was a
strong wind from the south-east, which
by 8 o'clock was from east, and at 11
o'clock from the north-east.. It was then
almost impossible for pedestrians to
make headway against it. At 6 p.m.
the wind had gone back to the east and
lulled somewhat. The lowest barometrical
record was 29.28 deg. at 5 p.m. on the 8th.
This, curiously enough, is identical with the
point reached by the barometer at the
Port Hedland Post Office during the
Wallal blow last April.
No damage was done at Port Hedland.
The rainfall locally was 12 points, but
the surrounding stations report much
heavier falls. At Strelly Station 24 in.
fell, at Ettrick 430 points, at Warralong
260 points, Carlindie 150 points.
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