TANKER ABLAZE

Evening Star, Issue 21934, 22 January 1935, Page 9

TANKER ABLAZE

EAST OF THE BAHAMAS VESSELS SPEEDING TO RESCUE press Association— By Telegraph-Copyright. LONDON, January 21. The British tanker Valverda is ablaze 150 miles east of the Bahamas. She sent an 5.0.5., stating: “Fire has swept through the engine room and the flames are now on the deck, which is burning fast. Two lifeboats have, been lost.” The German steamer Saarlander, the Dutch' freighter Costa Rica, and the Norwegian tanker Sosten are going to the rescue. BRITISH CRUISER LEADING RESCUE SHIPS HALIFAX (Nova Scotia), January 21. (Received .January 22, at 10 a.m.) On fire 1,000 miles east of Florida, the British oil tanker Valverda, with thirty-six men aboard, called for help, while the flames threatened to silence the wireless. A message from the vessel stated: “ Do not expect the electrical system to hold out much longer.” At least six ships are speeding towards her, led by the British cruiser ‘Frobisher. The Rangitiki was diverted from her course to assist the Valverda, but resumed 1 her course when told that others were nearer. FLAMES SUBSIDING ENGINE ROOM GUTTED. RUGBY, January 21. (Received January 22, at noon.) Fire broke out on the British oil tanker Valverda (8,807 tons) in midAtlantic to-day, and in response to a wireless call for immediate help six merchantmen of various nationalities are reported to be steaming at all speed to the scene. Reports state that two ships of the British Navy are also proceeding to the Valverda’s assistance, one of them being the cadet training cruiser Frobisher, which, it is stated, is expected to reach the Valverda about midnight. The Admiralty has received no confirmation, but states that the Frobisher, which left Sheerness for Trinidad on January' 11, is probably in the vicinity. The other British cruisers at present in the West Indies are the [York and the Delhi. The owner received a telegram from the master of the Valverda this afternoon stating that the engine room was gutted and the flames were now subsiding. __