GERMAN LINER ON FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 23099, 27 October 1938, Page 11

GERMAN LINER ON FIRE

THREE SHIPS RACING TO THE RESCUE CONFLICTING REPORTS CAUSE UNCERTAINTY Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, October 26. Three ships—namely, the United States freighters Collamer and American Traveller, and the Norwegian liner Europe—are racing across the North Atlantic following a distress signal from the German liner Deutschland, which is fighting a fire in the hold 200 miles south-east of Cape Race (Newfoundland), The vessel has 691 passengers and 390 of a crew. Conflicting reports caused uncertainty as to whether there was immediate danger. The Associated Press reported the receipt of a message stating that the fire was under control at 8.29 p.m., two hours alter the first signal, but the passing hours brought no confirmation- of this. Coastal stations reported that the Deutschland was continuing to send distress signals, although the extent of the fire was not indicated.

The rescuers expect to arrive at dawn. AH were originally within 75 miles. The situation is complicated by a gale which is sweeping up from the Gulf .of St. Lawrence, and is expected to strike the Deutschland before dawn. REASSURING MESSAGE FIRE NOW UNDER CONTROL. —* — NEW YORK, October 26. A message has been received stating that the fire on the Deutschland is now under control.