STATEMENTS BY THE CREW

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 155, 3 July 1917, Page 5

STATEMENTS BY THE CREW

THIRTY HOURS IN THE BOATS

A DOOMED SHIP

, - SYDNEY, July 2. 4 Captain Ritchie and the officer.s and crew of the Waitotara* have arrived. The captain refused to. make a statement pending the inquiry.

Members of the crew believe that the fire broke out amongst the copra: car 150. When first the alarm1 was given all hands turned out and made desperate efforts to save the ship,, but without, avail. The vessel'*iva^' stopped; and slewed roaud to prevent' the trad« winds from fanning the flames through the ship. This checked the fire for a brief period. When the fire spread towards" the cargo of 57,000 cases of benzine it was realised that the • Waitotara was doomed, Wireless calls were sent; out, and- orders passed to abandon the ship. Fortunately the weather was fine, although the long swellmade the launching of the four boats a difficult matter. : The captain's boat was the iast to leave. The boats were well provisioned, and able, to stand ofrVthe,burn"ng ship until a. French steamer arrived. ~.,,.<, Meanwhile thY Waitotara was swept fore and, aft,/Che flames reaching to a height' of hundreds of -feet, She was turned into a perfect flpating volcano: It wns a wonderful sight ..during^ ihe iiight. • The: Jcasti aways spent thirty hours in the boats before assistance arrived;- • ;•- '

The cargo,'valued atj over £2o0;000, included 'r>riutihg paper and, motorcars, mostly for Australia. •>'