Report from The Argus (Melbourne) Wed 18 Dec 1918
S.S. HOUTMAN Refloated - Ten Days on Barrier Reef.
A telegram received by the Melbourne agents of the Royal Dutch Packet steamer SS HOUTMAN, which on December 7 1918 went aground on the Barrier Reef, while on a voyage from Melbourne to Batavia, states that the vessel was floated off at half-past 7 o'clock yesterday morning after having been for 10 days stranded. The message, which was sent by Captain Goedhuis, the master, also contains the information that the vessel is apparently undamaged, and that all her passengers were well. Attempts, all of them unsuccessful, were made to tow the SS Houtman off the reefs by the Japanese steamer Nikko Maru and other vessels which were despatched to her assistance. It is thought that the vessel was floated off by the high tide.

Passengers' Experiences:
CAIRNS (Q.), Tuesday.-A lady passenger on the Houtman, in relating her experiences, says that the passengers retired as usual on Friday, December II. Towards midnight they were awakened by a sudden jerk and a grating sonnd. The vessel caine to a standstill. Within a few minutes everybody was on deck. There was a good deal of commotion, but not the slightest sign of panic. The sea was smooth. The vessel settled evenly. The officers quickly assured the passengers that there was no need for anxiety. Many of them remained for the night on the decks, which were brilliantly 'illuminated at intervals by beams from the lighthouse on Heath Reef, on which the Houtman lay. Next morning the Nikko Maru, which has also left Sydney on November 30, was standing by. The Nikko Maru took off some passengers, and proceeded on its journey to Tokio. Some of the passengers disembarked at Thursday Island.

Report from The Malaya Tribune Thu 19 Dec 1918
S.S. Houtman
The local branch of the KPM have received a message through their Batavia office that the above steamer is now afloat and that she is proceeding straight for Sourabaya with all well on board.