§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDI desire to ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given private notice, namely, whether he can give the House any further details connected with the wreck of the P. and O. steamship "Delhi"; whether there was any loss of life amongst the passengers and crew; whether there was any loss of life amongst the officers and men of the British squadron which went to the assistance of the "Delhi"; whether he can inform the House how many French seamen lost their lives in their heroic efforts to save life; and whether he can see his way to send an expression of gratitude from the British House of Commons to the Government of the French Republic for the gallant part the French officers and men took in the work of rescue, and an expression of sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives?
§ The PRIME MINISTERTwo telegrams have been received from the Vice-Admiral Commanding the Atlantic Fleet, one on the 14th, the other during the night of the 14th-15th. In the course of the former it was stated: "A few passengers and over 200 crew still on board wreck, so far impossible to land anyone to-day. Much regret to 2705 report three men 'Friant' drowned yesterday through steamboat capsizing while attempting to save life. 'Friant' arrived first at wreck from Tangier, and took off some women and children before rising sea prevented further operations. Her assistance was invaluable. Have expressed personally to senior French naval officer and captain of 'Friant' gratitude for the services rendered, and profound sympathy at loss of life. We have several cutters' crews stranded at Spartel, and boat washed up on beach; impossible to recover them until weather moderates. Am sending 'London' to Gibraltar this afternoon with considerable number remainder of passengers."
The later telegram stated that "All passengers were ashore except one injured and his son. Crew were being landed, by rocket apparatus brought over from Gibraltar, at rate of six to eight an hour. Two hundred were still on board 3 p.m. Assistance from seaward impracticable owing to heavy surf. Sixty officers and men with Rear-Admiral Cradock working ashore. 'Delhi' lying quite comfortably, and in very shallow water. Only means of transport between wreck and Tangier is by mules. French military force from Tangier had been of great assistance in lending tents for passengers and working parties, and supplying food. The Spanish Government had sent the 'Reine Regente' to render every assistance. Have thanked captain, and informed him that in weather conditions prevailing any help from seaward impossible, and she is returning to Tangier."
I am glad to say there has been no loss of life among the officers and crews of His Majesty's ships. We deeply regret the loss which has been sustained by the gallant sailors of the French navy, and His Majesty's Government yesterday telegraphed a message of gratitude and admiration to the British Ambassador at Paris. I am sure the relatives will know that they have the hearty sympathy of the House of Commons and of the country.