DRESDEN FEARED TO BE TOTAL LOSS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21198, 23 June 1934, Page 13

DRESDEN FEARED TO BE TOTAL LOSS

<*> STORIES OF DISASTER PANIC DENIED BY OFFICERS LONDON, June 21. A Stavanger message states that after a night of terror the Dresden's passengers are resting in schools, barracks, and coastal cottages. Three of 15 persons injured during the stampede to the boats were sent to hospital. The Dresden sank this morning and it is feared she will be a total loss. One survivor, who declared that the passengers had been ordered not to discuss the disaster, said the inundation of three holds and the boiler-room followed a sudden shock. The lights went out and a panic stricken rush for the lifeboats ensued. The first lifeboat, with 20 women in it, capsized. The second is also believed to have upset. Officers worked gallantly to restore order until rescue vessels arrived. The German liner Stuttgart left for Stavanger to pick up the stranded passengers. A Berlin message states that the Norddeutscher Lloyd 1 ine discloses that two women lost their lives in the Dresden wreck. They were two passengers who were too seriously injured to be moved.

An earlier statement asserted that the women were not drowned but had died of heart failure aboard a rescuing Norwegian steamer. Tt is understood that, strong winds and currents drove the prcsC:f"' n n to t'-e rock'-'.

OiTiccrs of the Dresden rave evidence at the enquiry 'hat there v;n ; nn panic. The ship's orchestra rlaved throughout the rescue work The officers heliavi the vessel slrucV an unchn'-'"d reef.

FRENCH WAR-TIME PRECAUTION p.iouiliil'tio:! c? moto:; VEHICLES (Received June 22, 11.40 p.m.) PARIS, June 22. A law has been promulgated providing for the mobilisation of all private motor-cars, motor coaches, lorries, and farm tractors in the event of war. The only people exempted are the President, foreign diplomats, doctors, veterinary surgeons, and midwives, who are allowed one each.