[Wreck of the "Koombana" - photocopy of material relating to, Harbour and Lights Department, Western Australia, 1912, State Records Office of Western Australia. WAS1618 Consignment 5055 Item 001, Telegram, Wood (Resident Magistrate) & Norman (Mayor), Broome, to Premier Scaddan, Perth, 02 April 1912]
2 2 3 18/- Rule 13 Broome
Premier Perth
Held consultation with Townley Captain Gorgon and Local Experts at which Chart and storm tracing from Logs of Moira & Bullarra were drawn & matter thoroughly discussed on all bearings Townley thinks Koombana turned from Bedout Island Getting right into Cyclone Track stop In view Fact no trace found and that Bullarra though in storm suffered little damage he thinks quite possible Koombana has weathered through to Right Hand Circle Storm probably Completely disabled in which Case she would be driven due north at eight or ten miles per hour Gradually to north north east and NE until far outside in direction Impereuse Reef stop as he has Examined this reef and found no trace he supposed vessel has Drifted Clear Rowley Shoals and would Eventually Get into Ocean Currents and Drift Eight to twenty miles per day to north & east to end of April when drift would probably send her west stop he thinks strong possibility Koombana helpless in Indian Ocean & Drifting without Means Communication probably all boats lost he thinks Best Chance Getting Communication would be with Java or Timor probably some weeks hence & thinks that if Govt asks aid warships from Singapore vessel nearest to us would Be Immediately despatched also suggests Minister For Defence be asked despatch from Melbourne
Wood Magistrate Norman Mayor
8.00p
