LINER EUROPA SUNK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22200, 10 December 1946, Page 5

LINER EUROPA SUNK

STANDING ON LE HAVRE SEABED MOORINGS BROKEN IN STORM REFLOATING BELIEVED POSSIBLE > (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (11.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 9. The former German liner Europa broke her moorings in a storm and sank in Le Havre dock basin at noon. The Europa is aground with much of her superstructure above water. A French Line official, after two surveys, reported it would definitely be possible to refloat the Europa. The ship, which France received as war reparations from Germany, was rechristened the Liberia when she arrived at Le Havre in July. She was being refitted for the Atlantic trade in which she once held the Blue Riband.

The Europa Was moored broadside on to a south-east gale, when her moorings parted, shß was swept across the basin. She collided with the liulk of the sunken linen Paris and a gaping hole was torn in her side at engine-room level.

Reuter’s correspondent at Le Havre says the Europa almost capsized. She had a 40 degrees list when the tide turned this morning, but the ship retained sufficient buoyancy to respond slowly until she was almost upright. By noon officials were able to make preliminary investigations. Every marine pump is being rushed to Le Havre.

In an all-night storm, Le Havre suffered a number of casualties. France’s largest tanker. Palmyre, of 14,000 tons, broke her moorings but tugs reached her just in time. A United States naval patrol launch crashed into a bridge and sank inside the dock.

The crew remained aboard through the night and kept the pumps going until a list forced them to abandon the ship.