COLLISION IN NORTH SEA

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 269, 14 August 1928, Page 11

COLLISION IN NORTH SEA

BETWEEN OTRANTO AND KITANO MARU JAPANESE STEAMER DAMAGED} SEAMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED The Orient liner Otranto, and the Japanese steamer Kitano Maru, collided in tlie North Sea, both vessels being damaged. No lives were lost, but a seaman on the Kitano Maru was severely injured. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, August 12. A collision between the 20,000 ton Orient liner Otranto, carrying a full complement of passengers ou a pleasure cruise to Norway, and the Nippon Yusen Company’s 7000 tons steamer Kitano Maru occurred last night in the North Sea. The Otranto, which left Immingham last night, returned to port and the passengers reached London this evening. Pumping operations proceeded throughout the night to keep the Kitano Maru afloat at the mouth of the Humber, and arrangements were inade to tow the vessel into Hull Dock tills evening. The extent of the damage is unknown. No one aboard the Otranto was hurt, but one severely injured sailor from the Japanese vessel was landed at Hull to-day. PASSENGERS DINING AT TIME ALL HANDS REMAIN CALM (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) London, August 12. The Otranto’s passengers were dining when the collision occurred and the contents of the tables -were thrown into confusion. On the second impact shortly afterwards, many rushed on the decks and donned lifebelts. Though the extent of the damage was unknown, there was no panic. The women were particularly calm. The Otranto’s bows suffered the worst. The vessel was stationary for half an hour while the damage was ascertained. Thereafter she returned slowly to anchorage. Special trains took the passengers to the Midlands and London. A seaman aboard the Kitano Maru, asleep in his bunk, sustained a fractured leg and spine. DOCTORS NOT REQUIRED ON OTRANTO (United Service.) London, August 12. Grimsby tugs went out to assist the Otranto, which came into port, lights fully burning and without a list. Doctors were not required.