*
}
583
and by the Chinese 8.8. Wo Kwai bound for Kongmoon.
These four ships rendered all assistance in their power,
and succeeded in rescuing some zinxktāx 165 persons
by means of their boats.
The flames spread rapidly and the ship was shortly
ablaze from stem to stern, the passengers, including
pirates and crew, jumping overboard. Many, however,
appear to have been unable to escape and were burnt.
The anchor was let go to bring the ship's head to
wind, but the officers soon found the bows untenable,
and had to jump also, the Master being the last to
leave the ship. They were picked up, with the exception
of the Mate, Mr. F.C. Evans, who was unable to secure a lifebelt, the fire haring reached his cabin when he
went to get one.
The ship was completely gutted, but was subsequent-
ly towed back to Hongkong, when the charred remains of 17 bodies were found on board, besides of evidences of many more almost totally consumed by the flames..
We find that no blame attaches to any of the certi–
ficated officers, who took all possible steps to secure the safety of the ship, and conducted the defence of the
bridge most gallantly. The means adopted for the pro- tection of the bridge appear to have been most efficient.
We are of opinion that the conduct of the Master
of the British S.3. Lintan, in failing to stand by the Tai On or to render her any assistance, requires further enquiry, as does that of the Masterof the On Lee, who
similarly failed.
We also wish to point out the irregularity,
and
very