FATALITY ON DIOMEDE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 74, 29 March 1932, Page 8

FATALITY ON DIOMEDE

COMMANDER'S NARROW ESCAPE

IMMERSED IN WATER

According to further particulars which are. to hand regarding the incident on H.M.S. Diomede while returning from Sydney, when Able Seaman . EibMns was wished overboard by a heavy sea and lost, Commander V. A. Crutchley, V.C., and two other seamea had a narrow escape from sharing "' Eibbins's.fate. " I Leaving Sydney at 4.30 p.m. last ! Tuesday, the Diomede encountered !. rough weather and a heavy swell later | in the evening, and about 11.30 p.m. it was decided to furl the awning on . the quarterdeck. The ship was slowed down a>nd< put head to wind, every , precaution being taken to see that it was safe to go on to the quarterdeck. - The work was practically finished when . a particularly big sea came from ahead '■ of the ship, which pitched heavily, the ! bows lifting out of the water and the stern being submerged. Commander Crutchley and the three seamen who . were on the quarterdeck were completely immersed in the rush of water. When the cruiser shook herself clear of the water,only three men remained clinging to the deck fixtures; The commander's cap was seen floating in-the water, and Eibbins was also seen, but as he was not struggling or swimming it was assumed that he was rendered ' unconscious when washed overboard. Pour lifebuoys, two of which had lights on them, were immediately heaved overboard, the ship was stopped and went astern, and tho searchlight swept the area, but no further sign was seen of the missing man. It was considered that had Ribbins remained afloat he would have been seen. The search continued for about two hours, after which the ship proceeded on her voyage. The weather continued rough all night, but gradualty improved as New Zealand was approached. On Wednesday a memorial service was held and the usual Naval tributes accorded the deceased.