DISTRESSED FLORIDA

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1929, Page 9

DISTRESSED FLORIDA

THE AMERICA STANDING BY

SUCCESSFUL SEARCH

United Press Association—By Electric TeleEraph—Copyright Australian Press Association. NEW YOKK, 23rd January. Captain Fried lias sent a radio message to the Eadio Marine Corporation: "America standing by Florida, having located Uio disabled ship more than 700 miles off Virginia Capo to-night. The Florida's lifeboats are completely shattered, her rudder is broken, and it is impossible to control the position of the ship in the heavy seas, which are beginning to become less severe. The radio is weak, and the crew are suffering from cold and exposure to water, which is menacing the sodden hulk." Captain Fried experienced great difficulty in reaching the Florida, due to lack of radio. The America will probably attempt a rescue at the first pos.siblo moment, but the discovery of the

Florida is further proof of Captain. Fried's exceptional skill as a mariner. The Dannedaiek has effected sufficient repairs to crawl slowly towards port. She is "believed to be safe at present, but is being watched continually. The President Harrison and the Yorck have left the search due to lack of fuel. Captain Fried radioed that he had j rescued the Florida's full crew of 32 j men in an hour, at great risk, due to a whole gale and tremendous seas. A laconic message ended: "Lifeboat lost. Details later." It is questionable how lifeboats were able to survive hi great seas, but if any men were lost with the lifeboat it is evident that it would bo rescuers, and at present it is unknown whether'loss of life was sustained. Captain Pried named his chief officer Manning as in charge of the rescue, and it is evident that Mr. Manning must have performed wonders in seamanship in such a pressure of wind. The Dannedaiek apparently is safe, proceeding slowly towards Bermuda.