ANOTHER SEA DISASTER

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 July 1924, Page 4

ANOTHER SEA DISASTER

Yesterday’s cable messages brought news from Japan of another sea disaster, in this case nearly lavo hundred lh’es being lost. The steamer, Tairei Mnru, a later message states, sank in twenty minutes. The sea has for generations taken heuA’y toll of human life, aiid the latest disaster adds oiie more to the many ships which haA r e gone doAvn Avith their human freight. Scientists and shipbuilders liaA’e experimented for years in their endeaA T our to build unsinkable ships, but, as Lord Tncheape, if avo remember rightly,- said some time ago, the unsinkable ship is a myth. Improvements in construction are taking place, and Avireless has made it possible to call up assistance in times of trouble, but, in spite of all that human ingenuity has done, disasters still occur. The collision which caused the latest disaster Avas due to a fog, perhaps the most difficult enemy of those who go down to the sea. in ships, and though A’arious devices for locating other A’essels in foggy AA’eather have been made, it seems is if the time Avhen fogs Avi 11 lose their terrors is yet far off. ■ The loss of life in this disaster A\ r ns exceptionally heavy, considering that the other steamer was not sunk. Probably later messages -will bring further information AA’hich may explain Avhy so fe.w Avere rescued. The fog and the rapid sinking of the doomed ship may provide the ansAA’er. Whatever the reason, the disaster reminds one that the perils of the sea remain and that the mighty deep continues to take its toll of human life from time to time.