STRANDED U.S.A. LINER

Grey River Argus, 14 December 1937, Page 5

STRANDED U.S.A. LINER

Holds Flooded [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] MANILA, December 12. The President Hoover is “bumping heavily” helplessly aground, while the passengers are ashore on two small islands, awaiting the appearance of the rescue ships, several of which are rushing to the scene, including three United States destroyers, also the Empress of Asia. Meanwhile, two Japanese warships are re. ported to be standing by. According to one report 200 passengers have been taken off by an unnamed Japanese warship. The accident was evidently due to the fact that the liner took the “outside passage” down the east coast of Tainwan through relatively unknown seas for the purpose of regaining lost time, instead of following the usual course down the west coast. The steamer Preussen was advised by wireless that the President Hoover is in a bad position on the north-east side of Hoishito Island, in a rough sea. Soundings showed it was impossible to tow her off.

The Preussen proceeded on her voyage, indicating the danger is not intense. Hiyake Islanders are reported to be helping to care for the liner’s passengers. High seas and winds made the rescue work difficult. Several of the liner’s holds are flooded. However, there is no immediate danger of her sinking. It is reported that some of the passengers are comfortably installed in schools and a private house on Kashoto Island. Some salvage workers, it is understood, have been injured. The salvage vessels, Yosho Maru from Hong Kong, and Neho Maru from Noji, are departing and are expected to be alongside the President Hoover by Tuesday. Meanwhile the Dollar Line agent at Hong Kong is unable so far to communicate with the liner to obtain details. (Received December 13, 8.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 12. Three rescue ships, namely the President McKinley and the United States destroyers, Allen and Baker, reached the President Hoover and prepared to remove its 485 passengers to Manila as soon as possible. It is understood that the President McKinley will take aboard all of the passengers and some of the crew. A message from' Captain Allen reported that the President Hoover is 600 yards from the beach. There are heavy seas on the weather side, but the liner is not being pounded. On Samoan Reef STEAMER QUICKLY REFLOATED. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] APIA, December 14. The steamer Sagres from Hong Kong, to take away time expired coolie labour, went on the reef inside the passage of the western harbour on Thursday at 10 p.m., when preparing to depart. She was pulled off about 2 a.m.

During the operations, a wire hauser fouled the propellor. Divers cleared the propeller to-day, and the ship will depart to-morrow (Sunday). A coolie, Chen Cho, mechanic for the Gold Star Transport Co., Ltd., one of a number to be returned to China but not wanting to go back, disappeared in the bush prior to the arrival of the steamer. He returned to his home at midnight on Friday, suffering from the effects of exposure and hunger. He collapsed and died shortly afterwards.