WRECKED OFF MILFORD HAVEN

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 November 1929, Page 5

WRECKED OFF MILFORD HAVEN

EIGHT LIVES LOST, 31 SAVED. STEAMER GOING TO PIECES ON ROCKS. (Ey Telegraph-Press Assn .-Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 26. In the height of yesterday’s gale, the steamer Molesey, voyaging from Liverpool to Cardiff, sent out an 5.0.5., stating that she was being driven on the rocks outside Milford Haven. She struck a few minutes later. The wireless ajiparatus, was rendered useless. Tremendous seas bi’oke over the Mc<lesey all night, preventing rocket lines carrying and lifeboats providing aid until’eight o’clock this morning, when 31 persons, including Captain Huntley, two women and two stowaways, were rescued.

The Chief Officer’s wife, the wireless operator, the third engineer and five of the crew died of exposure or were washed overboard. The steamer is a total wreck.

SPLENDID HEROISM OF WIRELESS OPERATOR KING.

CREW ALSO SHOW GREAT GAL LANTRY.

(By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright.) (Received Thsi Dav, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 26.

The Molesey’s survivors tell an epic story of devotion to duty of the wireless operator, King, who sent out appeals for assistance as the steamer was driven to the shore. Mountainous seas swept the vessel, and as they struck the wireless cabin the top deck rocked and started splitting. King continued calmly sending out his message. He was actually again-appealing for help when a huge wave swept the cabin overboard with King inside.

The chief officer's wife, Mrs Stock, was washed overboard soon afterwards. The crew heroically refused to leave their posts. The survivors waited eighteen hours, expecting the vessel to break up at any moment.