WIDESPREAD FLOODS

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 118, 14 November 1929, Page 9

WIDESPREAD FLOODS

WIND AT CARDINGTON

KlOl REDES OUT STORM

British Official Wireless.

RUGBY, 12th November. The most severe gale of the year swept Britain yesterday, and heavy rainstorms caused widespread floods, particularly in Wales and the Lake district. Some roads were made impassable, telegraph and telephone communication was interrupted, and many ships had to seek refuge in harbour. The average velocity of the wind maintained over the British Isles for the whole day was approximately 42 miles. In several parts a wind of over 60 miles was recorded, and at Cardington a gust of S3 miles an hour was reported yesterday afternoon. Fears were felt for the 'safety of the airship 8101, which was moored to her mooring mast but the giant vessel rode the gale satisfactorily, and sustained no damage. DRAMATIC INCIDENT. One of the most dramatic incidents of last night's storm was the rescue of the crew of the Italian steamer Nimbo which was driven ashore near Brighton. Distress signals were sent up and the Newhaven motor lifeboat put out. Because of the heavy seas the lifeboat could not get near the ship, and rocket apparatus was brought into use. The first shot was unsuccessful, but the second put a line over the ship's wireless aerial, and it was made fast to the rigging. The .crew clambered up the rigging, and one by one 20 of them were taken ashore in a breeches-buoy. The captain and nine of the crew refused to leave the ship, and stayed on board at the pumps, the vessel having been badly holed. This afternoon wireless reports of more bad weather in the Channel led to an order to abandon ship, and the remainder of the crew, with the captain, were brought ashore by means of a lifeline.