FIRST DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 7

FIRST DISASTER.

AIR LINER DOWN.

PASSENGERS LOST.

Travellers In Waterlogged 'Plane. EIGHT REPORTED DEAD. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 17. The Imperial Airways Company's air liner City of Pretoria, going to Paris from Croydon with eleven passengers, was forced down in the Channel three miles from Dungeness.

Latest reports state that eight are dead. Earlier messages stated that a trawler had rescued the passengers and crew, but it now appears that a lot was taken for granted. Watchers ashore,, by means of glasses, surmised that a trawler pilot ship had rescued the lot, but instead it was found that the forepart of the machine was submerged. The steamer managed to rescue the mechanic and four passengers. An hour elapsed before Mrs. Fleming, of Sydney, was brought out dead. Tugs and trawlers are trying to tow the air liner inshore in the hope of saving thoso missing.

The pilot was injured. Mrs. Fleming's daughter is dead, but Miss Marjorie Smith, of Melbourne, was saved. Her father was also aboard.