SHIP STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20807, 17 March 1933, Page 15

SHIP STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

DAMAGE ON H.M.S. PHILOMEL. MAIN COMPASS WRECKED. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TBI.EGR4U.) AUCKLAND, March 16. It was announced to-day that H.M.S. Philomel, the training ship of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, was struck by lightning during the stormy weather which was experienced at the beginning of the week. The main compass was badly damaged and the mainmast slightly burned. Although ratings wero on watch at tlie time, no one was injured. It was lato »t night during the height of the electAjral storm, when a vivid flash of lightning struck the top part of the mainmast, which for a few seconds was enveloped in a blue flash. The lightning travelled down to the main wireless yard, which was damaged to a considerable extent, and then on to tho main compass, which was practically burned out inside and rendered useless. The compass was dismantled and an inspection revealed that all the magnetic appliances had been destroyed. There are other compasses on board for purposes of instruction, but the main instrument will be replaced as soon as possible. Alterations have now been made in the rigging of the wireless aerial, and although the Philomel has exceptionally tall masts it is considered that tho alterations will render future shocks less likely. No serious damage was caused to the rest of the wireless installation.