DEEP WATER.

The Northwestern Advocate, Friday 31 March, 1911.

FATE OF THE YONGALA.

EVIDENCE OF DISASTER.

WRECKAGE AT WHEELER REEF.

The discovery confirms a theory 

advanced by Capt. Davis, assistant 

harbor master at Melboune, and formerly

engaged in the Queensland coast trade,

referring to the Yongala's route, Capt.

Davis said: — 'In rough weather it is

customary to run well out from Cape

Upstart, past the outside, or east side,

of Holborn Island, then to make up

past Cape Bowling Green through

clear deep water. This course takes

a vessel parallel within 20 miles of the

Barrier Reef, but that is advisable, as

the dangers of Holborn Island and The

Nares rock are avoided. My opinion

is that Captain Knight intended in the

first instance to take the inner, or

fine weather course — perhaps the 

hurricane did not break on him until he

was on it off Cape Upstart. Then, realising 

that The Nares and Holborn Island would 

be in dangerous proximity in such weather, 

he had decided to edge away to the 

eastward on to the outer track. He had 

either edged away insufficiently, or left 

this manoeuvre until the last minute, 

striking one of the very dangers he wished 

to avoid, and tearing the vessel's bottom

out. There would be no hope in the event 

of such a disaster of saving life.

The cyclonic storms are of such fury

that a boat would be smashed to atoms

before she could be lowered into the

water. The Yongala would sink quickly

in deep water.

 This is a very interesting scenario presented by an experienced mariner of the time. It would certainly explain why Yongala was 11 n miles off Cape Bowling Green in deep water when she foundered. I agree that the full impact of the cyclone struck off Cape Upstart - a shocking development in the extension of the gale from the south. It must have been an appalling moment for all concerned when conditions, SUDDENLY, outstretched the capabilities of Yongala.