TRAINING SHIP DISASTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 July 1932, Page 7

TRAINING SHIP DISASTER

DUE TO SUDDEN SQUALL. [by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. — BERLIN, July 27. A dramatic story of the sinking of the training ship, “Niobe,” (not “Niore,” as previously cabled), is given by Captain Mueller, of the cargo boat “Theresia Rush,” which, after transferring the “Niobe’s” survivors to the cruiser, '“Koeln,” arrived at Holtenau Lock early this morning.

Captain Mueller said: We sighted the “Niobe” at a distance of 800 yards at 2.30 o’clock at the same moment, the flying boat, “D.OX,” passed us. The “Niobe” signalled: -‘Where did you come from? Where are you going?” But the signal was visible only for a few seconds, when it disappeared in a heavy squall, which struck the “Niobe.” She capsized to the starboard side. I proceeded at full speed to the spot, and launched two life-boats. , All of my crew went into them except the cook and myself. The “Niobe” sank in two or three minutes, and only those on the deck were saved. The rest were trapped below. Some of the survivors remained afloat for an hour before they were rescued. They rid themselves of theix- clothing. All of the officers were drowned, except the captain. , I picked up forty survivors. I could do no more. Nothing could be seen, except bubbles and oik"

The “Niobe” lies seventy fathoms deep. It is officially reported that sixty-nino have been drowned . A search by seaplanes and naval vessels fox' furthex' survivors was unsuccessful.

VON LUCKNER NOT ABOARD.

BERLIN, July 27.

It is now doubted whether Count Von Luckner was aboard the Niobe. It is believed that he relinquished the command some time ago. VICTIMS ATTENDING A LECTURE. (Received July 28, 10.30 a.m.) BERLIN,' July 27. Forty survivors arrived at Kiel aboard the cruiser Koeln. They confirm that Von Luckner was not aboard the Niobe. The Koeln is continuing the search, but there is little hope of more survivors. Two Admirals who visited the scene, state that no blame is attached to the captain. The squall was so sudden there was no possibility of manoeuvring. Everything happened so quickly that the order to -don lifebelts and lower the boats could not be executed. The majority of the victims were below attending a lecture prior to the final examinations. According to eye-witnesses, most of the portholes were open, and the vessel sank in two minutes.