RACE WITH BURNING SHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 253, 23 October 1909, Page 15

RACE WITH BURNING SHIP.

CAKGO OF SULPHUR OUE ON FIRE. A graphic account of a burning ship's unavailing race for safety was given by Captain Hugh Sampson, late of the steamer I*>nl Londonderry, at l> Hoard of Trade Inquiry at ISelfnst on Tuesday, Sept. 7th, Voyaging from Georgia, with a cargo of :!400 tons of sulphur ore. It was discovered after several days that the sulphur was burning. Water in such an instance was useless, for It would simply have fed the lire, and the sulphur, bursting like lime, would have ndded another drend danger. As It was, the cargo was flred from top to bottom, and It was decided to race for Lisbon and beach the ship. Owing to the firemen having to quit their quarters the engines stopped, and every hour added to the potency of the BulphuroiiH fumes. Then the vessel was found to he breaking in two, and the witness and crew had to take to the boots. The captain further Blared that after being several hours In the lifeboat, he returned to his ship. The centre he found practically burned out, nnd the decks having collapsed, he was obliged to return to the boat. The Inquiry was adjourned.