DRAMATIC STORY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 101, 23 January 1933, Page 9

DRAMATIC STORY

Rescues from Sinking Ship

FOUR SWEPT TO DEATH

Struggle in Raging Seas

NORTH ATLANTIC STORM

By Telegraph—Press assn.—Copyright.

(Received Jan. 22, 6.30 p.m.)

New York, Jan. 20. Twenty-two members of the crew of the British freighter Exeter City, 2959 tons, disabled 650 miles due east of Newfoundland by one of the most severe storms of the season, were rescued to-day by the American ship American Merchant after an all-day struggle in mountainous seas lashed by a 70-miie an hour gale.

A dramatic story of the rescue is told in terse radio messages from the master of the American Captain. Stedman, who is already the holder of medals for similar heroic performances. The Exeter City sent out an S.O.S. call at dawn, after mountainous seas had carried away the bridge, sweeping to death Captain Legg, a resident of Bristol, England, and three other members of the crew. The American Merchant, which was fifteen miles distant, responded to the call. Captain Stedman found the raging seas too perilous to permit him to launch a lifeboat, so ordered a “linegun” to be used. After several unsuccessful efforts a line was finally shot to the Exeter City, which was settling down rapidly. The first intention was to use a breeches-buoy, but the idea was abandoned as too dangerous. Then a lifeboat was sent over the line, and after several hours' manoeuvring the Exeter City's crew were hauled to safer?. After the last man had been taken aboard the American Merchant a huge wave destroyed the lifeboat.