3-034-876 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Wreck of the mail steam-ship Rangoon at Galle - the Rangoon sinking after the removal of the passengers and crew, 1871. 'The Peninsular and Oriental Company's mail steam-ship Rangoon, conveying the passengers and mails from Australia, was lost in a most disgraceful manner...being stupidly run upon the rocks while going out of Galle harbour, Ceylon...in the calmest weather...the Rangoon was already alongside of the rock, and with two or three tremendous shocks she struck, knocking more than one hole in her plates aft, which holes at once began to leak. This left no time for anything but immediate action...preparations were made to land the passengers - ladies and children first...the passengers were got into the boats, amid some confusion...with no more luggage than each could hold in his hands...as the Rangoon was fast filling, all on board left her...The captain, officers, and crew hovered round their gallant vessel in her boats, while closer in were native canoes, the occupants of which, at the risk of their lives, watched any articles swept off the decks...there was a steady, though unexpected, plunge of the stern, and the Rangoon disappeared, all but her masts, which might; still be seen, sticking up out of the water'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.