["The New Steamer Koombana", Daily News (Perth, WA), Tuesday 04 May 1909, page 9]
THE NEW STEAMER KOOMBANA.
HER NOR'-WEST PASSAGE.
SOME STARTLING RUMOURS.
A WIRE RECEIVED BY THE ADELAIDE S.S. COMPANY.
During this morning the mercantile shipping circles at Fremantle have been much excited in connection with wild rumors floating round the town concerning an alleged mishap to the new steamer Koombana. It has been reported that a telegram received at Fremantle stated that the vessel had struck a rock outside Broome; in fact, one rumor actually stated that she was a complete wreck. Although investigations have been made by our representative, tho source of this information could not be determined. Mr. Lewis, acting manager for the Adelaide S.S. Company, stated this afternoon that he had received a message from Captain John Rees to the effect that the vessel had the vessel had struck something on going in to Broome. On her arrival he had had her properly examined, and could find nothing wrong, The Koombana left Broome yesterday morning at 8 o'clock, and is expected to arrive at Port Hedland on her journey down to Fremantle this morning.
Later advice received from the Nor'-West during the afternoon stated that tho Koombana arrived at Port Hedland at 9.45 this morning, and resumed her voyage down the coast after a brief stay of two hours.
