BURNT AT SEA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XVII, Issue 3601, 11 June 1895, Page 3

BURNT AT SEA.

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Particulars have been received of the destruction by fire at sea of the ship Salsette, 1614 tons, which lefts London on March 11 for Melbourne. The fire was discovered in the lower hold on the morning of April 17 S and spread with great rapidity. Several of the crew were overcome in attempting to reach the seat oE the outbreak. The cargo included a quantity of gunpowder, but with great difficulty this was brought up and thrown overboard Portions of the decks became so hot that it was impossible to stand on them, so that the boats were got out, and provisioned, and used for a refuge for the officers and crew, relays going aboard to fight the flames, Ihe men worked vigorously all through the day and night, but the lire gained steadily, and on the afternoon of April 18 the the flames burst through decks in several places. Shortly afterwards the ship Miltiades, bound to Port Pirie, hove in sight, and picked up Captain Panton and the crew who were prcpaiing to start in the boats for the nearest land, about fifteen hundred miles distant. When abandoned at nightfall the Salsette was one mass of flames, and when sighted next day her masts had gone, but her hnll was still burning fiercely. Her hull, being constructed of iron, it was believed would hold together for a long time, and form a serious uienance to shipping. The Miltiades landed the officers and crew at Capetown.