The Rhodamanthus was sent out immediately from Simon's Bay to assist with the rescue operation, and instructions went out to magistrates and field-cornets along the coast to keep a sharp look out for survivors. There were 14 military (officers) on board at the time of the disaster. Those who survived were: Captain Wright (91st Regt.), Lt Girardot (43rd Regt.), Ens Lucas (73rd Regt.), Cornet Bond (12 th Lancers Regt.) and Dr Bowen, (Staff Surgeon). The total number of people on board at the time of the disaster was 638 of whom only 193 people survived. 8 of the 9 horses on board managed to swim to safety. The helmsman, with the ominous name of Thomas Coffin survived, as did all of the women and children on board. The End - [Back to beginning]