LERWICK ROCKED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 62, 14 March 1944, Page 4

LERWICK ROCKED

PORT EXPLOSION

A SHETLAND SENSATION LONDON. Families had to be evacuated and streets ancl roads closed when explosions fired vessels in the harbour at Lerwick, in the Shetlands. Eight seamen were killed or are missing and about a dozen injured. Firemen were withdrawn because of the danger of fresh explosions. Machine-guns on the ships were turned on the burning vessels in attempts to sink them. Bullets ricocheting into the town sent people in the main, street running to cover. It was at 8.30 on a recent morning that the townsfolk heard two explosions; immediately a vessel blazed up. The flames spread to another ship and smoke blanketed the harbour. Forty-two families were evacuated from the neighbouring houses. Three-quarters of an hour later a violent explosion shook houses all over the town. Just afterwards there was a vivid flash like blue lightning and a heavy peal of thunder which was mistaken by many for a fourth explosion. Sixty plate-glass windows in business premises were smashed, as well as windows in houses. Streets were reopened and houses reoccupied later in the day, although another minor explosion occurred in the afternoon. There were many examples of bravery and coolness among officers and ratings. Five men have been buried at Lerwick.