SICK SAILORS

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1929, Page 5

SICK SAILORS

WIRELESS BRINGS AID

(Special to “Star.")

AUCKLAND, November 29. News of a dramatic call for medical assistance, picked up in the Pacific Ocean on November 7, was brought to Auckland by the steamer Min which arrived from New York yesteiday. The call was made by the steamer Sithonia, 6640 tons, and the Mm was able to secure help from the Shaw Saville and Albion line steamer, Tamaroa en route from Wellington to London. x s H. Roberts, wireless operator of the Min,’ heard the Sithonia’s call early in the evening. Communication was established and the Sithonia which was bound from Tampico to Brisbane with cargo, made an ijrgent appeal for medical advice. Three of the crew had become violently ill with a strange complaint. The Min does not carry a doctor, and Roberts, who sent otit a general call, managed to tune in to the Tamaroa by means of relaying messages.

The symptoms of the sufferers on the Sithonia were explained to the doctor on the Tamaroa. So strange were they that he was unable to diagnose the case accurately. As the men were showing signs of distress, it was decided that the Tamaroa and Sithonia, 400 miles apart at the time should meet the following day at an appointed place. . Hating done all it could, the Min continued its voyage to Auckland,; A

wireless message received later from the Tamaroa stated that the Sithonia was met at eight o’clock next morning. Before the doctor went on board however, one man died. . It was found that the men were suffering from a severe form of heat stroke. The two 'survivors were treated, and advice given for their care, and shortly afterwards the two vessels parted.