ELECTRICAL STORM

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 81, 17 March 1933, Page 7

ELECTRICAL STORM

PHILOMEL STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. DAMAGE TO WIRELESS AND COMPASS. Auckland, March 16. It was announced to-day that H.M.S. Philomel, the training ship of the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy, was struck by lightning during the stormy weather which was experienced at the beginning of the week. The main compass was badly damaged and the mainmast slightly burned. Although ratings were on watch at the time, noone was injured. It was late at night during the height of an electrical storm when a vivid flash of lightning struck the top purl of the mainmast, which for a few seconds was enveloped in a blue flash. The lightning travelled down to the main wireless yard, which was damaged considerably, and then on to the main compass, which was practically i-urncd out irsifle and rendered useless. The compass was dismantled, and an inspection revealed that all the magnetic appliances had been destroyed. There are compasses on board for purposes of instruction, but the main instrmnent. will be replaced as soon as possible. Alterations have now been made in the rigging of the wireless aerial, and although the Philomel has exceptionally tall masts it is considered that the alterations will render future shocks less likely. No serious damage was caused to,the rest of the wireless installation. , At.- '