["Arrival of the Bullarra", Broome Chronicle and Nor'West Advertiser (WA), Saturday 30 March 1912, page 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article260024788]

Arrival of the Bullarra.

Nothing to Report.

The Adelaide Company's steamer Bullarra was sighted about 2.30 yesterday afternoon, and came to an anchorage about 5, having first signalled the Lighthouse that she had no news. The Mayor (Mr. H. D. Norman, J.P.), Major Wood, R.M., and Mr. Archie Male (Streeter and Male, Ltd., agents for the missing ship), at once put off to the Bullarra in a dinghy to ascertain all possible details, and, as the R.M. as representing the Government had instructions to do everything necessary, to give Captain Upjohn further directions. The captain reported as follows:--"Went into Hedland on the 19th for 190 head of cattle, and left again next day, the Koombana leaving twenty minutes after. Before leaving the two skippers had a conversation over the weather conditions, which were dirty looking at the time, but it was decided to put out. The Bullarra steered a course to Balla Balla, where she had to pick up some passengers; the Koombana towards Broome. When about 22 miles from Balla struck very bad weather, after making all preparations for same. As the wind and the sea increased in fury bent a stockless anchor on 120 fathoms of chain and dropped this over the bow, and placed men f'rward with oil, which was allowed to drip, and this was very effective in breaking the seas. At midnight the funnel was carried away, and when the weather lulled steamed into Point Sampson and rigged a jury funnel, which answered very well. Left here on the 26th and steamed to Hedland and sent mails ashore with the Chief Officer, and was much surprised to hear that Hedland had suffered little from the gale. He having received full information and instructions as to the Koombana, proceeded to Little Turtle Island on the 27th, but found no trace of anything; spoke to some pearling boats, but they had seen nothing. At 9:30pm same night was off Bedout Island, and judged the position as 5 miles S.W. from island, and found the light there not burning. At 5.30 next morning found the island was bearing S.W 4 miles. Sent the Chief Officer ashore, who searched and found no trace of wreckage. After an examination of the lighthouse (which is an unattended light) the glass was found not to be encrusted, which showed that the island did not meet the full force of the gale. After leaving Bedout made a detour and zigzagged along the 90-mile Beach, always standing within nine miles of the shore in order to sight any wreckage on beach. Passed close to Patterson's shoals, saw nothing. Stood along towards Broome, passing Latouche Treville nine miles off. Picked up Cape Villaret, and stood out for Broome, which was reached about 5 p.m."

Captain Upjohn stated that he passed through the centre of the gale, and had a very bad time, the old 'Bull' behaving splendidly. About 45 head of cattle were lost. Late last night the vessel came alongside for water and to await orders from the Company. While at Port Hedland he learned of the loss of the ships Crown of England and Concordia at Balla Balla, as well as the loss of life.

AB notes:

This is interesting:

"Before leaving the two skippers had a conversation over the weather conditions,

which were dirty looking at the time, but it was decided to put out."

At the inquiry, Captain Upjohn denied any discussion with Tom Allen about whether to put to sea.

Captain Upjohn's comments regarding Bedout Island and the storm drew criticism:

"After an examination of the lighthouse (which is an unattended light) the glass was found not to be encrusted, which showed that the island did not meet the full force of the gale."