Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Saturday 25 September 1920, page 7


Fate of the Southern Cross More Evidence of Disaster Wrecked on King Island Indications of ExpIosion Searching for Survivors No Trace of Amelia J A!n Aviator Missing There is now very little doubt that the brigantine Southern Cross has been lost in Bass Straits, and efforts are being concentrated on the location of possible survivors. The vessel left Melbourno. thirteen days ago for Hobart with a cargo which included a large quantity of benzine. The wreckago, including goods known to have been carried by the vessel, found on the south coast of King Island on Thursday has been augmented lby the washing up of articles bearing the words "Southern Cross, Hobart." Cases of benzine add to the theory that disaster has overtaken the vessel; where it is not known, but the fact that the wreckl;gc came from a southerly direction indicates the possibility that the brig'utinc. was between King island and the Tascmanian coast. An old sea captain thinks she has struck one of tihe reefs off the island, 'LcrneapiP the worst feature about the wrockago is that it bears indicatious of an explosion having taken place. The opinion has been expressed that it was probably caused by. the distress signals. If that proves corroct, there seems little likelihood of the crew having got clear in time. However, the Wybia, Keooin la, and lf.M.AS. Pllatypus are Jearching for survivors on the islands of the far north-west, Ind the coastline is being traversed by a land psarty Captain Strutt, one of the aviators who left Melbourno on Thurstiny with Major Andorson, who landed at Srlghton, is missing. Both set gut in an effort to locate the Ameli a J., but C'ptain Strutt has not beetn reported as having put in an appearance anywhere. Fears are entertained for his safety, and a look-out for him Is 'being kIept on the e.st Coast of Tasmania. There are no further tidings of .the Amelia J.