Collision at Sea

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7037, 22 December 1932, Page 7

Collision at Sea

MOCK WAR DANGERS RIGHTS ON TRADE ROUTES LONDON, Dee. 13. “Traffic on trade routes should be allowed to be carried on in peace time undisturbed by imaginary war,’’ said Mr. Justice Scrutton, in the Appeal Court. He gave judgment in dismissing the appeal from tho owners of the French linc’r Florida, which collided with the aircraft-carrier Glorious on April I, 1931, with the loss of 22 lives. Tho Lower Court had held tnat ootn vessels wero to blame, but chiefly the Florida. Mr. Justice Scruttou added that if manoeuvres, especially involving air-craft-carriers, which wero continually shifting with the wind, had to bo permitted in foggy weather, it would be wise if tho great Admiralties ensuieutho avoidance of trade routes.

Nineteen aeroplanes from the Glorious were taking part in manoeuvres in tho Mediterranean Sea on April 1, 1931, when one was forced into the sea. Rushing to the aeroplane’s aid, at a speed of 17 knots, in tho mist, in the performance of her duty as “mother,’’ the Glorious crashed into the Florida, cutting a gaping hole in tho vessel’s port bow. The Florida did not sniK, but a number of immigrants, who were in a hold in the centre-line of the vessel, wero killed instantly. The Glorious lost four aeroplanes, which wero forced into tho sea, but the crews were saved.