TERROR AT SEA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 307, 28 December 1935, Page 10

TERROR AT SEA.

SHIPWRECK HORROR.

VIVID TALE OF SUFFERING. PHILIPPINE STORM TRAGEDY. MANILA, November 30. Mrs. Winifred Bissinger, one of the 52 survivors of the wrecked British freighter Silyerhazel off the coast of the Philippine Islands, told an amazing story of hysteria, heroism and tragedy as she and other passengers and crew of the stricken vessel were brought to Manila at dawn recently by a U.S. destroyer.

"It was terrible," she said. "For more than three days and three nights we sill were marooned on that little rock. On Saturday morning the ship was going through a blinding rainstorm. The crew were peering through great sheets of water trying to sight the lighthouse that would guide us past the treacherous rocks.

"Suddenly there was a terrific crash. Everyone aboard knew wo had struck the rocks. The ship shivered. We all hurried to the bridge thinking that it was the safest place. Within half an hour the rear part of the ship had disappeared in the great waves. Although we thought every next moment was to bo our last, we spent that night on board. We didn't sleep a wink. We had plenty of food, but the water supply had run out. We spent the whole night keeping flares alight. Four ships passed us, but they did not see our signals, and we gave ourselves up for lost. Captain's Heroism. "When daylight came wo saw it was worse than "we had thought, and we had to desert the ship. Captain Lennard, the master of the ship defied death by jumping from the doomed ship on to the jagged rock beneath us. From there he superintended the erection of breeches buoy apparatus, which enabled us to transfer to the rock.

"Sunday passed, and plenty of us prayed that a ship would find us as they passed us by. We were wet. through, hungry, and tired; eating dry biscuits and 'terribly thirsty. I guess we went through every emotion, fear and tranquillity, despair and calm, before what seemed our certain end. But not one of the four women screamed. A Scottish engineer led us in sea chanteys to keep up our spirits. "Nearly Swept Off." On Sunday night the crew tore some tarpaulin sheets taken from the ship and rigged up simple tents on the rock to protect us from the great waves. "Several times we were nearly swept off Then Jjve saw the rescue ships, including the two American destroyers. We all cheered. We did not know M-e still would have to stay on the rock because the boats could not reach us. Time and again they tried, but they could not get near.

"Three Hindu members of the Silverhazel's crew volunteered to build a raft and try to drift towards the rescue vessels. We helped them build their little craft. We said good-bye and waited. They did not return, and so more of us decided to try it.

"When I went on a raft I had only a bathing suit left of my clothes. I tied my valuables round my neck and took the plunge. It seemed hours. I was swept In all directions. Once I saw one of the crew with a little dog strapped on his back.

"Then I saw one of the destroyers and waved to it. The next thing I remember was being rubbed with hot towels. 1 was saved."

Actuallv, four were lost in the shipwreck, including the captain and one woman, Despite Mrs. Bissingcr's impression that the Hindus on the raft had been lost, they reached the American destroyer Peary safely. They said Captain Lennard had been swept off the rock while attempting to effect rescue measures.