Post by ADMIN K on Nov 14, 2015 1:56:18 GMT
In June 1923 the Hain Line steamer "Trevessa" loaded with zinc concentrates and on route from Fremantle to Durban sank very quickly in the Indian Ocean during a violent storm. The 44 crew members scrambled into two lifeboats, some with very little clothing on, and the Captain Cecil Foster decided to endeavour to make for Mauritius some 2,000 miles away. With no compass and only enough water for 7 pints per man, 550 biscuits and two cases on condensed milk they were immediately put on strict rations. The boats soon became separated and with the soaring heat of the tropics some succumbed to drinking salt water which caused them to become delirious and death followed quickly. With no wind the men had to row which aggravated not only their swollen hands and feet but also their bodies which were suffering from extensive salt water boils. It was only by perfect discipline and obedience to the Captain's orders that the stuck together and on the 23rd day one boat landed on the island of Rodriguez and three days later the second boat landed at Bel-Ombre, Mauritius and a total of 34 men survived.
A monument to the crew of "Trevessa" was erected on Bel-Ombre and on the anniversary of their landing on Mauritius "Trevessa Day" was celebrated which is now become "The Seafarers Day" so that the islanders can ponder the fact that they are indebted to seafarers of many nations.