IN TROUBLE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 116, 18 May 1914, Page 7

IN TROUBLE

GERMAN TRAMP STEAMER TAIL SHAFT BREAKS BOATS SENT FOR ASSISTANCE. (By Telegraph.— Press Associatioti.— Copyright.) SYDNEY, I7tli May. The Hamburg-Anierika steamer, Prinz Sigiamund (4689 tons) brought a portion of the crew of the tramp steamer Cairnliill (4981 tons) from the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea. The Oairaihill left Natmi Island, in. tte Pacific Ocean, west of the Gilbert Islands, on 27th March, for Gcnna-ny. When four days out her tail bha-ft broke. For nine days her engineers made tinavailing attempts to repair the damage. It was then decided to tend boats, to Rabaul, German New Guinea, for assistance. Three boats, in charge, respectively, of the chief mate, third trial e, and boatswain, and containing twentyfour men (including nineteen Chine&e firemen), departed, leaving Captain Moodie. the, second mate, the chief and fourth engineers, and the chief steward aboard. The Cairnhill's boats met with a severe storm, and were separated, but after a buffeting extending over a Week, during which time the crew were suffering much from exposure, and shortage of water and food, all reached Rabaul. The Chinese and the chief mate remain thore to assist in the eearch for the Cah'nhill, which, when the boats left on 9th April, waß 150 miles north of New Mecklenburg. Steamers, which were sent from Rabaul, returned unsuccessful after a ten daye 1 eearch. VESSEL STJPPOSED TO BE DRIFTING. IN DIRECTION OF THE SOXOMONS. (Received May 18, 9.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day, > It is believed the Cairnhill is drifting in the direction of the Solomon Islands. With the captain are the engineers (Messrs. Maxwell and Angus), the second officer (Mr. M'lver), and the chief steward (Mr. Btiglie).