["The Broome Hurricane", The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA), Thursday 17 December 1908, page 7]

THE BROOME HURRICANE.

EXTENT OF THE DISASTER.

Perth, December 16.

News is gradually coming through from Broome concerning the pearling disaster, the telegraph lines having been restored. The following telegram was received by Mr. Rubins, of Broome, from Captain Gregory, of the Kalander Bux:--

"Lagrange, December 13. Kalander Bux a total wreck. Tillen and four of the crew are missing, and Young is dead. The luggers Congdon, Struggle, and Gracie are ashore south of the mangroves, and many boats are unaccounted for. The Alto is ashore, but is undamaged. The wrecks of the Kalander Bux and Alto are about six miles apart, and the survivors are in various stages of collapse and cut about. The beach covered with wreckage, and three bodies were recovered to-day. Mr. Zumfeld, with police and extra men, are patrolling the coast both ways."

Later another telegram was received from the postmaster at Lagrange, as follows:

"Spoke special messenger this morning near Noonans. Captain Gregory had left overland for Bossut, and should reach there to-night. The Kalander Bux a total wreck, and going to pieces. Young, the mate, was drowned, and was buried by Captain Gregory. From information the messenger has gleaned, the Alto, so far, is undamaged. One of the crew of the lugger Tasmania, who had been in the water three days since Tuesday, landed on the beach yesterday near Mangrove Point. He is much cut about, and says the Tasmania sunk and five of the crew were drowned. Several masts and spars are lying along the beach, and one dinghey, the Cosy, is on the beach near Mangrove Point. Nine of the Alto's crew were saved. I am endeavoring to get a messenger to ride to Bossut with a note from Captain Gregory. Special messengers will endeavor to reach the Alto wreck tonight and speak to-morrow morning at 6 o'clock. The road is heavy and travelling is difficult. The man is unable to say if any valuables have been saved."

It is now definitely known that the following lives have been lost:

C. J. Miller, clerk, formerly of the Railway Department, Perth.

W. H. Young (mate) whose body was recovered and buried on December 10.

A. Tillen, carpenter, formerly a diver, and who was slightly paralysed.

Nine Asiatics, who belonged to the Kalander Bux.

The Alto, belonging to Newman Goldstein & Co. is high and dry on the beach, and should the weather not become rougher in the meantime may be floated off.

...