NAVY—THE TROOPSHIP "POONAH."

HC Deb 25 February 1885 vol 294 cc1309-10

MR. GOURLEY

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether he had received any information in regard to the troopship Poonah; whether the vessel had sailing independent of steam power; and, by whose authority she was sent to sea with so large a body of troops in a disabled condition?

MR. CAINE

, in reply, said, the following telegram was received at 4.30:— A steamer has been reported nine miles south-west of Ballycotton Island, having all canvas set and an ensign flying. Admiral Lethbridge has gone, and taken with him the only tug in this port. It is not yet known whether it is the Poonah or not.

An hon. MEMBER

Is the ensign flying upwards or downwards?

MR. CAINE

She is under full sail.

The hon. MEMBER

Is she in distress or not?

Subsequently—

MR. CAINE

said: I have just received a message from the Admiralty to say that the vessel to which I have referred is the Poonah, and that she is being towed into Queenstown.