COLLISION AT SEA

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 184, 7 May 1928, Page 9

COLLISION AT SEA

GREEK STEAMER SUNK RAMMED BY BRITISH NAVAL VESSEL SEVERAL LIVES LOST

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 4. The British Naval store-carrier Bacchus, 2000 tons, rammed and sank the Greek steamer loannis Fafalios, 3122 tons, 30 miles south of St. Alban's Head, in the English Channel, to-day. The Bacchus picked up eleven of the crew of the Greek ship, but it was later reported that she was sinking herself and that her crew and the Greek survivors had left her. The steamship Clan Mac Kay appeared to be ou the spot, and war vessels were proceeding to the scene from Portland and Portsmouth.

(Australian Piees Assn.—United Service.) London, May 4.

Tht Bacchus sent out an S.O.S. that she was badly damaged and sinking after ramming and sinking the loaunis Fafalios, off Dorset. The Bacchus rescued the crew of the Greek steamer, and both crews then abandoned the Bacchus, thirty miles from Portland. The Admiralty announces that the battle cruiser Tiger is in the vicinity and should now have reached the Bacchus. Two salvage tugs have been dispatched from Portland. The destroyer Salmon has been ordered to prepare for sea.

A wireless message from Portland states that the crew have returned to the Bacchus, which is now steaming to Portland, stern first, at two knots. The sea is calm, and conditions favourable.

BACCHUS ARRIVES AT PORTLAND

(Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Rec. May 6, 5.5 p.m. ) London, May 5.

The Bacchus arrived at Ptolrand, towed stern first. Apparently the Greek steamer sank in three minutes. Ten Greeks were drowned, including the captain and the chief officer. Two others died after rescue at sea. The owners say that twenty-two were on board the vessel. The destroyer Salmon towed three lifeboats and a dinghy into Portland, with forty-five members of the crews of both vessels.

FIVE BROTHERS LOST

(Australian Press Assn. —United Service.) (Rec. May G, 5.5 p.m. )

London, May 5.

Among those drowned from the steamer Fafalios were five brothers, also two nephews of the owner.

“FOG LIKE PEA SOUP”

(Australian Press Assn—United Service.) (Rec. May 6, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 5.

“The fog in the Cnanne, was like pea soup,” says a Bacchus sailor. “Before we knew it we had rammed the Fafalios amidships. She was loaded with iron ore and sank in less than two minutes. The crew on deck were flung in the water. . The remainder below had no chance. The captain and mate died from injuries due to the collision.”