CHANNEL DISASTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 February 1928, Page 5

CHANNEL DISASTER

S.O.S.’s CANCELLATION

RESCUE WORK DELAYED

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn.— Copyright,)

LONDON, February 26. One of the strangest'features of the Alcantara collision was the cancellation of the Tovarisch’s S.O.S. by the second message, to the effect that “No help was now needed.” This delayed the departure of the lifeboats three hours, until the true position was ascertained from other sources. The entire crew are confined to the ship, and are sworn to secrecy (by representatives of the Arcos Steamship. Coy. It 'is . impossible under. the c.ir-. cumstances to clear up the enigma. Pavon, the engineer on tfie Alcantara, who is barely five feet in height had an astonishing escape. He was thrown across the engine room by the force of the collision; picked himself up half dead, and struggled on the deck, which was already under water. Half walking and half swimming,'Pavon managed to clutch a chain on the Tovarisch’s bowsprit, just as the Alcantara sank stern first. . Pavon held on for ten tniniitds. z uhtil a Russiaxx soldier climbed- aldhg the; bowsprit and lowered a lifebelt on a rojie. Pavon was then hauled aboard; Aeroplanes and fishing boats have been searching hours for possible survivors, but so far without result, though two bodies wearing. lifebelts were recovered. The captain of the Tovarisch indignantly denies that he was- responsible for the cancellation of the S.O.S.’ RUSSIAN CAPTAIN’S STATEMENT. LONDON, February 27. Captain Piedmap, Commander of the Tovarisch, in a statement, says when the Baron Douglas came alongside in response to the 5.0.5., he explained that the Tovarisch was in no danger, but perhaps the other crew weei' in the water. He also broadcasted a similar message. Tfye Barqn Douglas went off presumably to render assistance. The Tovarisch, in response to later messages, asking the reasons why the S.O.S. was sent out, replxed: “S.O.S. clear,” applying only to themselves. The Tovarisch,was unable to manoeuvre to render assistance, because she is a sailing vessel. The Tovarisch was travelling at 6J knots. It was about half an hour before she slowed up and launched boats.