VALUABLE CARGO LOST.

Evening Star, Issue 16050, 29 February 1916, Page 3

VALUABLE CARGO LOST.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, February 27. A violent explosion was. heard at 11 o’clock this morning, and attracted crowds to the waterfront. They saw the Maloja two miles distant in difficulties. In response to her S.O.S. signal scores of patrol boats and. trawlers appeared quickly from all directions. Motor boats and tugs were launched from Dover, and, promptly raced to the rescue. The Maloja soon began to settle down by the stern,, where she was damaged, until the seas were almost level with her bridge. She took a heavy list to starboard, gradually rolling until her starboard side was submerged and her decks were perpendicular. She remained thus for some time, then suddenly wallowed right over and completely capsized, showing a section of her keel for some minute#. 'Then she disappeared in a cloud of steam. Meantime all sorts of craft were steadily rescuing those on board. The list prevented the launching of the boats on the port side, and, those on the starboard side jamming, most, of the survivors were taken direct from the sloping decks aboard the smaller craft. The watchers ashore had another thrilling experience half an hour later. The Empress of Fort William was sunk half a mile distant. Her lore part remained above the sea for some time, while the stern was submerged. Suddenly she blew up and disappeared in a cloud of steam. The Maloja survivors were landed at the Admiralty Pier. Some wit transferred to the hospital ship, and others came to London. The Maloja carried a valuable cargo.