SHIPS IN DISTRESS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 January 1929, Page 5

SHIPS IN DISTRESS

THREE CALL FOR HELP.

HUGE SEAS IN ATLANTIC. ONE VESSEL FEARED LOST. uuiceJ Press, Association — By Eleeino Teiegrapu Copyright.) (.Australian Press Association.) NEW YORK, Jan. 22. The liner America, commanded by Captain George Fried, who is the hero or many rescues, is battling mountainous seas in an endeavour to reach sinning ships which called ior aid this afternoon. The Italian freighter Florida is without its rudder and is otherwise disabled, and the American tanker Dannedaike is in distress in tremendous seas. Both are situated about 700 miles oh Norfolk, Virginia. The Florida has a crew of 32 and the Dannedaike 35 . Radio broadcasting on the sea coast lias been silenced and every .attempt is being made to reach the vessels. The America, a twin-screw steamer of 21,144 tons, is able to make a speed of only ten knots in the westerly gale. Other ships, notably the liner president Harrison, are also held up by the severe weather. Iti s believed the America cannot reach the ships much before 30 hours, j although the President Harrison may be slightly nearer. The Dannedaike omitted particulars in her call for help; she advised simply that she needed' immediate assistance. The British freighter Tessbridge is feared lost off Halifax. No word has been received from her since yesterday, when she reported she was in distress. The steamer Maine and other ships are continuing the search, however, though virtually aIL hope has been given up for recovery. , The America, the President Harrison and the German freighter Korck, are approaching the Florida and the Dannedaike, all the lifeboats of which have apparently been shattered by the seas, says later advice received 1 here, The crews are unable to do more than keep as much water out of the bottoms as possible. In the event of the rescuers arriving on the scene to-night it is probable they can do little until the morning because of the weather. The condition of the stricken vessels is not known definitely.