MARINE TRAGEDY RECALLED

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1928, Page 1

MARINE TRAGEDY RECALLED

SEA CAPTAIN’S HEROISAt

AUCKLAND, July 9.

A notable record is held by Captain Francis Inch, of the Cuhard steamer Valacia, now at Auckland. He commanded the A'olluma, which met with disaster in the' Atlantic in 1913 with the loss of nearly 150 lives. The Arolturua was en route from Rotterdam to New York, via Halifax, with 800 immigrants, and a cargo of super oxide of barium. The rolling of the ship created friction .which ignited the cargo, and fire broke out with a violent explosion on tho morning of October 9. Everything on board was wrecked and many of the passengers were trapped below and sent to an awful death. Attempts were made to get the boats away, but the seas were running so high that it was found to bo impossible. The first two boats lowered were never seen again. In response to the Volturna’s S.O.S. the Carmania and other vessels arrived, but they wore unable to do anything on account of the heavy seas. Aleanwhile tile Volturna was in an awful plight. AVith the raging furnace spreading, in spito of the efforts of the crew, darkness came, and another boat was launched, only to he stove in. An officer and crew of four remained,', however, and after two hours’ battle won tlieir way to one of the vessels standing by. The fire reached the bridge and the ship’s magazine blew up with, a terrific explosion, which nfoalin drove terror into tho hearts of the helpless immigrants. It was tho coolness of Captain Inch; however, that saved the lives of tho remainder. He ordered all to jump overboard and they were picked up by the boats of tlie eleven ships now clustered around tbe doomed A r olturnal.

A tanker had arrived on tho scene and poured oil on tho troubled waters at 8.30 that morning. AVlicn everyone was ofF Captain Inch went over the sido and was taken on hoard the Krooni. Ho was blind with tho intense ' heat and did Hot regain hi a sight for eight days. Captain Inch was rewarded for his bravery with tho freedom of the City of London, the freedom of the City of the freedom of Fremantle, mid a silver medal - from Lloyds.