Loss of the Victoria.

Manawatu Herald, 6 July 1893, Page 2

Loss of the Victoria.

Captain Bourke reports that the Victoria was going full speed astern at- the time of the collission. Admiral Tryon sent him below to see if the watertight doors were closed. He found them all closed and the men at their stations. The conduct and steadiness of all the crew, he states, are beyond praise, and there was no sign of panic. He himself was sacked down, but rose with the wreckage, and was rescued by'one of H.M.S. Nile's boats. Lieutenant H. L. Heath states that seeing the collision imminent, he ordered the closing of the watertight doors and the collision mats out. They tried to place the mats, but found it impossible, as the ship settled down by the bows. Flag-Lieutenant Guilford states that after the collision the Victoria's engines were put at half-speed ahead, but a minute later the steering gear broke down. It is officially stated that StaffCommander Hawkins-Smith advised Admiral Tryon to range the ships eight cables' lengths apart, and the Admiral assented, but the signal was afterwards given for six. Admiral Tryon was specially informed that the order was flying for six lengths, and he replied • Let it remain.' Rear-Admiral Markham, who was on the Camperdown, hesitated, and the Victaria signalled to him by semaphore, ♦ What are you doing ?' Admiral Tryon afterwards came on deck, and personally gave an order for the fatal turning movement. It is reported that Admiral Tryon had been on the sick list for several days, and had returned to duty only on the morning of the disaster. The survivors of the warship Victoria consider the brave end of Admiral Tryon largely condoned his error. It is stated that Captain Bourke's hair turned white during the collision.