RAMMED IN CHANNEL

Evening Star, Issue 22722, 9 August 1937, Page 9

RAMMED IN CHANNEL

EXCURSION STEAMER FROM DOVER FOUR GIRLS' TERRIBLE ORDEAL Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, August 8. (Received August 9, at 10.5 a.m.) Four girls were jammed at the head of the fore saloon when the cross-Chan-nel steamer Princess Mario Jose, with 750 excursionists from Dover, collided with the Clan Mac Neil off Dunkirk. The girls gravely bore the three-quarters of an hour ordeal of extrication from the wreckage by seamen with crowbars, and were sent ashore first in a tug, which came alongside, and sent to hospital at Dunkirk, where two had their right legs amputated below the knee. The third sustained a fractured leg and foot and arm injuries, while the fourth suffered abrasions. Many other passengers were shaken and bruised. The injured girls were sleeping when the collision occurred, and were washed from their beds by the inrush of water. They lost all their possessions. The Clan Mac Neil struck the Marie Jose amidships in a slight fog, and smashed her sides below the water line. The sea rushed in, causing temporary panic among the passengers. The Clan Mac Neil went full speed ahead, pushing the Marie Jose aground instead of allowing her to sink.