Terrific Impact

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5618, 6 April 1931, Page 7

Terrific Impact

AIRCRAFT CARRIER’S CRASH INTO STEAMER. SPLENDID BEHAVIOUR OF OFFICERS AND CREWS. United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, April 3. The Florida tragedy was duo to a minor mischance. One of 19 British seaplanes that were participating in a manoeuvre made a forced landing in the sea. The Glorious, which was mothering the ’planes, rushed to the rescue at 30 knots, when, in the slight mist tho Florida, steaming at .17 knots, loomed up immediately ahead; and before the course could be altered, tho two vessels met in a terrific crash. The bow's of the Glorious were wedged in a gaping hole in the Florida’s port bow, crushing one hold to the centre lino and killing tho immigrants in that part of the ship. A Spanish nurse who was aboard the Florida, gave a graphic account of the disaster. She said that the impact was so violent that the bows of tho Glorious completely pierced the hull of the Florida. If the latter had been struck amidships, none of the 600 persons on board could have been saved. Indescribable confusion and panic broke out among the Florida’s passengers, but finally calm was restored. Although the Florida was apparently in danger of immediate sinking, planks were laid down connecting the Florida’s deck ■with the flying-deck of the Glorious. Eye-witnesses paid a tribute to the discipline on the Glorious and the commendable courage of the officers and crew of the Florida. Ordinary Seaman ’i'ckcr, who w-as a look-out. on the Glorious, was crushed to death at his post. It is believed that some of the missing were thrown overboard by tho impact. All the bodies have not been extricated from the French steamer Florida, which was rammed by the British aircraft carrier Glorious. It is impossible to identify many who are mutilated.

The Glorious has been ordered to remain at Gibraltar until responsibility for the accident has been established.