FIRE ON PAPAROA

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 166, 10 April 1926, Page 9

FIRE ON PAPAROA

UNAVAILING EFFORTS TO REACH PORT VESSEL BURNED TO WATER’S EDGE By Telegbaph—Press AssociationCopyright , Fremantle, April 9. South African newspapers containing details of the sinking of the steamer Paparoa arrived here by the Devon, which was about 400 miles behind the Paparoa when the mishap occurred. Due of the crew of the Paparoa, in a lengthy statement, says that in order to investigate the seat of the fire the chief officer and chief engineer descended one of the holds, but quickly returned, gasping for breath. All the fire appliances were brought into use, but shortly the interior of the hold became a mass of flame, terrific heat being generated. Water from hoses had no effect on the fire, which burst through the deck, and subsequently

spread to the bridge, which burned like matchwood. The ship listed badly. Water poured into the stokehold, and the fires were kept going with the greatest difficulty, especially when the bunkers caught alight. The ship’s company were cheered by the news that the Barrabool was only 130 miles away. A mighty cheer went up when the Barrabool appeared. Even then hope of getting the vessel to port was not abandoned, and an effort was made to get the water out of the. bold. Added to the difficulties of the men in the'stokehold fumes from bursting ammonia pipes had to be contended with. Finally, the effort had to be given up, and the firemen withdrawn When the Barrabool left the scene the hull of the Paparoa was still burning, but the warship H.M.S Birmingham was then in attendance. —Press Assn.