A WAR STEAMER BLOWN UP AT LIVERPOOL.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 12, Issue 913, 1 February 1868, Page 2

A WAR STEAMER BLOWN UP AT LIVERPOOL.

A most disastrous explosion took place 'in the Sloyne at about 20 minutes past 7 o'clock, on Nov. 28. It appears that the Greek war steamer Rubulina (formerly the famous Confederate blockade-runner Col. Lamb) was at anchor opposite New Ferry, on the Cheshire side of the Mersey, preparatory to leaving for Greece. Capt. Sartorius, the officer in command, gave orders that steam should be got up at -6 o'clock, as it was his intention to sail from the Mersey a few hours later. The furnaces were accordingly lighted, and steamrapidly got up, when about half-past 6 a terrific explosion took place amidships, and was followed by two others. The vessel was snapped asunder, the stern part being forced about 200 feet from the forward bulkheads and water-tight compartments, where the magazine was situated. About 60 feet of the fore part of the vessel was kept afloat, and at high water there was only the foremast and four or five feet of the fore funnel above" water. At the time the explosion took place she had 73 souls on board, including the commander, officers, sailovs, engineers, firemen, and stokers. Of the 73, Mr. Aristides Gialoussy (the only gentleman who spoke English) states that- there were 18 seamen and 32 firemen missing. A number of the firemen, and all the engineers, were English ; Mr. Elliott, the chief, being one of the most experienced marine engineers sailing out of the port.

The Bubulina had on board 250 tons of Powell's Dufiryn steam coal, a large quantity of provisions, and a quantity of Whitworth guns, gunpowder, and other warlike material. Great differences exist as to the causes of the explosion, but the general opinion of experienced surveyors inclines to spontaneous combustion in the coals as the real cause of the disaster.