The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-11-06 00:00:00

SUFFERINGS OF THE CREW
TAY, ON LOBOS ISLAND

THA

. The following is a letter written at St. Thomas's by one of
the wrecked, and gives some particulars of the sufferings of
the crew on Lobos Island—" The Tay struck on Cape Roam,
in the Golf of Mexico, at 5 a.m. on Saturday, 29th Aug.
The scene on board was most awful. The monster steamer
rolled about as if in its last agony—the captain cool and col—
lected. Hideous sharks surrounded us, and seemed to mark
us for their prey. Between the raging seas there was a sort of
lull, by which the boats could communicate with the ship.
The surf was dreadful 'o look at. If it hail been rough
weather not a soul would have been alive half an hour after
the ship struck. As soon as possible, one of the life boats was
despatched to Tampico, in charge of the mail agent, with the
mails and passengers, to obtain assistance. The only things
that could he got from the ship for the officers and crew were
some biscuit, salt port, a few live fowls and turkeys, and some
five or six gallons of water. The captain's gig was loaded
with some hams, candles, j tms,•jellies, the captain's private
goods and clothes, some of the officers' private rlothes,
some valuables, and three men. The gig drifted,
round to the stern of the Tay, and after being knocked about:
like a shuttlecock she was thrown bottom upwards. Two of
the men were dragged below by sharks, and never appeared
afterwards. The other wade his appearance, resting on three
oars, which he grasped. He truly represented a strong man
in agony. He battled with the raging surf, and got ashore
safely, although sharks were all around him. At eleven a.m.-
the ship was deserted, the captain being the last to leave.
Ninety-nine persons were now cast adrift, with scarcely provi—
sions enough for a single meal. At intervals a low small
island could be discerned, at several miles distant, and this Wag
our only hope of safety. The captain declared that it was the
Island of Lobos, and probably water would be found there.
He recommended that all the boats should go for that island,
and on being importuned, he recommended all to trust in God,
and take care of their lives. At one p.m., the chief officer
led the way in his boat to the island, the captain, in the dingy,
bringing up the rear. We reacted the island soon after four
p.m , but found the surf rolling mountains high, forming
apparently an impregnable watt around us. We waited for the
. captain to know what should be done. Captain Strutt
examined various parts of the island, and at length he
saw what he considered an opening, and ho entered
it, the dingy being light, and landed. He was so
Wave. a handkerchief close by a hut seen on the island, if we,
were to .follow. No handkerchief waved. At length tP
captain came off again. He said tli a the loaded boats(
could not get in ; the dingy must take in a few at a
time. By this means we all landed, after great difileultiee.
It was a sandy beach, studded wi Ir rocks. A man with a boat-
hook stood on the how of the dingy, and guided her in through
an avenue of rocks. All were pale, haggard, and tired.
Captain Strutt, with a voice choked with emotion, offered.
thanks to Almighty God for our great deliverance. Every-
one was in tears. Nothing could be more solemn or affecting
than this scene. We wandered about, and found, beneath two
fine trees, that, iron funnels bed been driven into two wells,.
to prevent the sand from getting into the water. The wells
did not seem to promise a very liberal supply of water, There
were other signs of visitors having been on the island. After
a small piece of biscuit, a little grog, and a scrap of pork, had
been given to everyone, we prepared to rest, A lighted
lamp was hung tip in a tree. Many a strong, iron looking
man was subdued that night, and went secretly on his knees,
imploring succour from heaven. We all rested on the ground,
with nothing over us but our day clothes. The island was
brilliant with fire flies, and snakes and lizards crawled over

us. The rolling sea, beating and expending itself in angry
surges on the tiny spot on which we were resting, was thune.
Bering all night in our ears. Sunday morning arrived. All
hands were piped' again, and prayers were read. A slight
breakfast of biscuit and pork, or cheese, was served out. The
captain asked for volunteers to visit the wreck, to see what
could 'be saved from her. Numbers of men volunteered to go,
and they started for the wreck, but could not approach it, the
sea had so increased in violence.. Men wore occupied on our
solitary island in shooting sea gulls and.pelicans,- which abound.
there, and we fed on the birds. After orayers,' we lay down
again with heavy hearts. Tormented with hideous land.
crabs, which caused horrible disgust as they crawled over us,
Monday morning rose to no better prospects. The captain and
volunteers again visited the wreck. No better luck this time.
There was no approaching the wreck. Hunted for turtle eggs,
and found quantitio=. Although plenty of turtle were there,
they could not be caught. Pa.sed another miserable day ; half
starved, and no good prosF7cts. The captain real prayers, and
all laid down to try to find rest for both body and mind,
for the third night. Tuesday morning, after prayers
and breakfast, a party went again to tho wreck,
and this time succeeded in g.,tting on board, and took away
from her several sheep and fowls that were nearly dead. On
hearing of this success, two more boats went off directly, and.
cot stew pans, lamps, blankets, and a few beds, pillows, &r,.
Found the poor cow alive, but much exhausted, Could nor.
get her out then, for the weather was threatening, and the cap,
tain made us all leave far our solitary home. In the course of
the day our mourning was turned into joy—a steamer was,
seen bearing down upon us. This was a Mexican war steamer
sent from Tampico to our relief. We got all on hoard of her
that day, and went and saved the poor cow. The captain
of the Mexican war steamer would not delay any timer
for if bad weather had come on, it would not have boom
safe there."