SAVED HIS SHIP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 664, 24 March 1923, Page 11

SAVED HIS SHIP.

HEROIC CARPENTER.

STORM-PARALYSED COOLIES.

SYDNEY, Feb, 12. It does not often fall to the lot of a carpenter to save a deep eea steamer. There is not an officer on the British steamer Kansas, now in port at Sydney, who will deny that but for Mr Riddel the tramp would now be in Davy Jones' locker.

A terrific storm was encountered by the Kansas on her voyage to Australia by way. of Boston. The apprentices' quarters were smashed into splinters. The wreckage was washed among the steering gear, jamming it beyond control. It was realised by the officers that unless the jamming woodwork was removed tho vessel's fate was sealed. It was impossible for a man to reach the steering gear without some aid, as the waves were breaking over the spot. ON HANDS AND KNEES. The carpenter hit on a scheme. Securing a stout rope, he made it fast about his waist, and, giving the end to an officer, bade him hold it tightly. On his hands and knees the carpenter began his hazardous crawl. As each wave washed down on him he ceased his movements and clung to anything substantial near by, in this manner he managed to reach his destination, and soon had the tightly-wedged wood away from the steering gear. He was then hurriedly pulled out of the danger zone by means of the rope. One of the officers to-day said that as soon as the storm broke the coolies made a dart for their living quarters, and whilst the storm raged their cries to Allah could be heard above the storm, and they refused to budge. As a result the officers, were on duty for days without a break.