WITH CLOTHES AFIRE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11952, 24 May 1933, Page 4

WITH CLOTHES AFIRE

ENGINEER ’LEAPS INTO SEA FROAI .MARGARET AY.

SEVERE BURNS SUFFERED. AUCKLAND. May 22. AV'iili his clothes in flames a man emerged from the engine-room scuttle on the motor vessel Margaret AY shortly after two o'clock this afternoon, and hurled himself into the harbor. His presence of mind probably saved. Jiis life. AV. Graham, aged 2G, of Auckland, is second engineer on the vessel, and was filling the “cartridge” used to start, the Diesel engines with methylated spirits. Tlio tin exploded, ami the burning contents were sprayed all over tho engineer’s clothes as well as Jiis face and hands. At the time of the accident .Mr Graham was working alone in the engine-room. Apparently he realised that his only eliaiice was to get out of tho engine-room without help. The first that tho others on the ship knew about tlie mishap was when they saw Air. Graham come on to the deck from tlio engine-room . scuttle. The scuttle opens near tlio .starboard rail, and tlio .engineer, aflame from lioad. to .foot, went straight over the side. Fortunately one of tlio motor-ship's surf boats, was tied up alongside, and Air. Graham was able to obtain abold of that. The boat was tlien pulled to. some nearby steps and Air. Graham was helped out of tho water. Air. Graham, was burnt about tho faco and hands,, and was taken to Auckland hospital. A sack caught fire in the engine-vooiu, but tlie outbreak was suppressed by an extinguisher before any damage bad been done. The Maragaret AV. is loading for East Coast ports, Mr. Graham’s condition was reported this afternoon to bo serious, but- he was. conscious.