LIMPED TO PORT

Evening Star, Issue 20321, 1 November 1929, Page 9

LIMPED TO PORT

FIRE IN THREE HOLDS CREW'S STRENUOUS FIGHT Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. PERTH, November 1. (Received November 1, at 10.15 a.m.) The Telemachus limped into port after the crew had fought fire in three holds for twelve days.^

On October 15 smoke was seen issuing from one of the holds and a party went below, but gas formed to such an extent that four men were badly affected. Hoses were played on the coal, but two days later a terrific explosion occurred in another hold which lifted ‘the hatch covers. The boats were then swung out and all hands summoned on the deck. Next day the third hold was found to be on fire and a quantity of coal was jettisoned. Burning gas was discovered and several of the crew were, gassed. Trenches were dug in the coal, along which the hoses were carried, but the flames increased and it was dangerous to dig further. Wind sails were used as hoses to carry the water to the holds, and one hatch was flooded. The seat of the fire is believed to be near the bottom of the ship Pumps are now flooding the holds.