["News from South", Broome Chronicle (WA), Saturday 06 April 1912]
News from South
Nautical Men's Opinions
"Koombana Would Live In Any Hurricane."
Perth, March 25.
The Koombana is reported to be safe at Derby.
Perth, March 26.
The Adelaide S.S. Co., in order to test the truth or otherwise of the statement that the Koombana had arrived at Derby sent a cable via the Cable Station, Broome, and received the following reply:--"Koombana not sighted; left Hedland 10:30 a.m. Wednesday for Broome, and not since heard of; grave anxiety; five days out; owing to complete isolation, telegraph being interrupted, no news from Port Hedland for five days; possible Koombana sought refuge near by or steamed out to sea."
A proposal that the Government steamer Penguin be despatched at once to search for the Koombana is under consideration by the Premier today.
The cattle steamer Moira will probable search for the vessel.
The Koombana on leaving Fremantle had 15 passengers for Broome, and 33 for Derby; Captain Allen was in charge, with a crew of 77.
A thorough search for the boat will be made. The Magistrate at Broome suggests that the Minderoo be instructed to proceed direct to the Montebello Islands, and Rowley Shoals. Throughout yesterday the wireless operator of the German mail boat Gernesan, at Fremantle, sent urgent wireless signals to the Koombana without response and the anxiety is more acute, although the Koombana apparatus is possibly wrecked. The mail steamer Mongolia, due from Colombo today, hoped to bring hopeful tidings. Master mariners at Fremantle state that the Koombana would live in any hurricane.
Perth, March 27.
Last night there were no tidings of the Koombana. A conference was held at Fremantle yesterday between representatives of the shipping companies and the Chief Harbor Master, who represented the Government. At the conclusion Clarke, inspector of the Singapore line, despatched a telegram to Carnarvon to the master of the Minderoo, authorising a thorough search and with the utmost speed to examine the Montebello Islands.
Perth, March 29.
In connection with the search for the Koombana the Premier has received a message from the Federal Government offering to bear portion of the cost of the search, and asking to be furnished with full particulars.
