A SHIP BURNT AT SEA.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9127, 11 June 1895, Page 5

A SHIP BURNT AT SEA.

RESCUE OF THE OBEW.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright Melbourne, June 10. Pavtio'liars have been received of the destruction by fire at sea of the ship Salsette, 1614 tons, which left London on March 11th for Melbourne. The fire was discovered in the lower hold on tho morning of April the 17th, and spread with great rapidity. Several of the crew were overcome in attempting to reach the seat of the outbreak. The cargo included a quantity of gunpowder, but, with great difficulty, this was brought up and thrown overboard. Portions of the decks became so hot it was impossible to stand on them. The boats were therefore got out and provisioned, and were used as a refuge for the officers and crew, relays going aboard to fight the flames. The men worked vigorously all through the day and night, but the fire gained steadily, and on the afternoon of the 18th flame 3 burst through the decks in several places. Shorty afterwards the ship Miltiades, bound to Port Pirie, hove in sight, and picked up Captain Panton and the crew, who wera preparing to start in the boats for the nearest land, about 1500 miles distant. When abandoned, at nightfall, the Salsette was one mass of flames, and when sighted next day her masts had gone, but the hull was still burning fiercely. Her hull, being constructed of iron, it is believed would hold together for a long time and form a serious menace to shipping.

The Miltiades landed the officers and crew at Capetown.