THE WESTRALIA

Evening Star, Issue 17328, 16 April 1920, Page 3

THE WESTRALIA

WHEN" THE SHIP STRUCK. ■?— * "A BREATHLESS HUSH, BUT NO PANIC." MELBOURNE, April 15. A passenger who was on board the "Westralia states that the voyage from Blnff was uneventful until the unlucky ■ 13th. The passengers were holding a concert in the saloon, and were enjoying the contrast between the light and laughter inside and the noise of the' waves 'hammering against the ports and the rain pelting on the deck, when the ship sud- ■ denly bumped, causing a breathless hush, but no panic Mrs Cook, of Christchurcb, bravery finished - her song while the steamer was still bumping on the sand. The chief steward ordered everyone to .don lifebelts. This was carried out quietly, "The scene on deck was a'strange one. Same of the women and children were clad only in their night attire. The night ■was black, as pitch, and the wind was lashing the Bea into foam. The crew were' busy with the boats," but those on board ■ware told that the davits were oldfashioned, and, judging by the difficulty experienced in swinging out the boats that was easy,to believe. By 9.15 p.m. everything was in readiness for any emergency. The ship was dragging and bumping, and the waves were dashing over on the port side. At 10 o'clock the passengers were told fhak the wireless had spoken the Loongana, 180 miles away, and she was coming at full speed to the rescue. " The morning light showed how miraeuilous our escape had been." continued the speaker. _ "We were within 200 yds of rocks which showed above the foam" in the semi-darkness. If the ship had got off the sandbank upon which she providentially grounded nothing could have saved us from the rocks. Every effort was made * during the night to put" the ship astern. The most trying moments were those when the engines started and the ship, strained and struggled to get free, but without result.

"The passengers behaved splendidlv. The long night dragged by until the engines were again started, and the vessel •slid off the bank, with the Loongana standing by. The Westralia was making ■ water, and took a list to starboard. On clearing the banks the ship's tanks were trimmed and the vessel was righted. The pumps kept the water in check until the vessel reached port this morning."' The passengers opened a subscription list for the crew, and handed an address of appreciation to the skipper (Captain Bates). A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE. MELBOURNE, April 15. One of her officers states that he considers the mishap was due to the heavy rainfall and the current running through Banks Strait rendering it impossible \o fix the ship's position accurately. ITad they touched one or two rocks which thev must have passed within a few feet, there would have been little of the Westralia •and few of her crew or passengers left to tell_ the tale. Under the conditions which prevailed, luck and the expert knowledge of Captain Bates got them out of Uie difficulty. INQUIRY TO BE HELD. • aiELBOUUXE. April 15. The Melbourne Marine Board will hold an. inquiry concerning the grounding of tne Westralia.