§ MR. J. C. MACDONA (Southwark, Rotherhithe)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether intelligence has been received from Madrid that a large sailing vessel has been seen abandoned near the Straits of Gibraltar, about seven miles off Tangier, right in the course taken generally by vessels of our fleet when going to and from the Mediterranean; and whether he will order a cruiser from England or the Mediterranean and Channel Squadron at once to search for this dangerous derelict and bring it to port or destroy it?
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONNo Report respecting this wreck has been received from Madrid. In the Shipping Gazette of April 5th, it is stated that the Spanish steamer Joaquin Velasjo reports having passed a vessel waterlogged and abandoned, foremast only visible, in the position stated, which is not in the ordinary track. Where the vessel (if it is a vessel and not a spar, which is equally probable from the Report) is now, it is difficult to say, but if not on shore, or at the bottom, the strong currents have probably taken her into the Mediterranean. No search could be made with any prospect of success unless further Reports are received.