OIL-TANKER FIRE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 154, 11 April 1930, Page 5

OIL-TANKER FIRE.

BENZINE ALLOWED TO ESCAPE. (United Press Association—Copyright.) NEWCASTLE, April 10. At the inquiry into the fire which nearly destroyed the oil tanker British Honour, on February 24', the Coroner returned a verdict that the fire was caused through, the starboard sea valve being left open by a member of the crew, thereby allowing benzine to escape into the local harbour. It is understood that the cost of repairs to the vessel will be £30,000.

The modern oil tanker British Honour, 6991 tons, with a cargo of 4000 tons of oil caught fire in Newcastle harbour. A series of terrific explosions ocurred, the forecastle being blown away and the bridge wrecked. Four members of the crew were injured. Firemen did wonderful service.' The cause of the fire was traced to a/small outbreak at a waterside timber yard, flames from which set fire to oil spilt on the water. This quickly travelled to the tanker. A great crowd watched the clouds of dense smoke rising from the British Honour., and when the explosion occurred, flinging debris in all directions, the spectators became panicstricken, tripping and! falling in their frenzy to reach safer points of vantage. The police kept the people away frpm the huge storage tanks of the Commonwealth Oil Refinery Company, which were in the danger zone. The injured members of the crew were removed by ambulance to hospital, mostly with wounds received wlienl falling as they rushed away from the •vessel.

A strange incident occurred when the fire began. A youth was swimming . the racehorse Roseland nearby, when - the flames from the burning oil on the water enveloped the animal. Its eyes were burnt out and it had to be destroyed. Its owner, Mr W. Bailey only a lew days before, had refused an offer of £SOO for the horse. ,