WARSHIP DAMAGED

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 147, 17 March 1933, Page 12

WARSHIP DAMAGED

I Lightning Hits Philomel COMPASS BURNED OUT Dominion Special Service 1 Auckland, March 16. It was announced to-day that H.M.S. Philomel, the training ship of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, was struck by lightning during the stormy weather which was experienced at the beginning of the week. The main compass was badly damaged and the mainmast slightly burned. Although ratings were on watch at the time no one was injured. It was late at night, during the height of an electrical storm, when a vivid flash of lightning struck the top part of the mainmast, which for a few seconds was enveloped in a blue flash of lightning • that travelled down the main wireless yard, which’was damaged considerably, and then, on to the main compass, which was practically burned out inside and rendered useless., The compass was dismantled and an inspection revealed all the magnetic appliances had been destroyed. There are compasses on board for the purposes of instruction, but the main instrument will be replaced as soon as possible.

Alterations have now been made in the rigging of the wireless aerial, and although the Philomel has exceptionally tall masts, it is considered that alterations will render future shocks less likely. No serious damage was caused to the rest of the wireless installation.