LIFEBUOY LIGHT

Grey River Argus, 11 June 1936, Page 5

LIFEBUOY LIGHT

EXPLODES ON "TAMAHINE.” Ol'TK'Ei; 'S EYES INJURED. WELLINGTON. June 10. Mr S. B. Ward, Second Officer of the Tamahine, received serious eye injuries this afternoon when the Holmes light on a lifebuoy exploded while he was examining lit. Mr Ward was taken to a private hospital fot treatment of the injury, which proved to be serious. The Holmes light i s one designed to explode, and provides a flare when the lifebuoy hits the water. Ther fi arc chemicals in it, these being phosphorus and acetylene. Shortly before the Tamahine was to leave Wellington for Pieion this afternoon. Air AVattfl noticed that theIlolnie.s light on a lifebuoy was leaking. lie was bending over it, when r. exploded in his face. He was able to walk ashore, and. after receiving medical attention on the wharf, he was taken to a private hospital. To-n,ght he was reported to be more comfortable. The Union Company had to find an 'offieier to I’epljave Mr At ard before the Tamahine sailed. The vessel w;i. 3 nearly an hour late -:u departing lor Pict on. ____________