British Crew Rescued

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7062, 23 January 1933, Page 7

British Crew Rescued

American Vessel’s Fine Work

HAULED ABOARD IN MOUNTAINOUS SEAS

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Received Sunday, 9.30 p.m. NEW YORK, Jan. 21.

Twenty-two members of the crew of the British freighter Exeter City, disabled- 650 miles due east of Newfoundland by one of the severest storms of the seiison, were rescued to-day by the American ship American Merchant after an all-day struggle in mountainous seas lashed by a 70-mile gale. A dramatic story of the rescuo was told in the torse radio messages from the American Merchant’s master, Stodman, already the holdor of medals for similar heroic performances. The Exeter City sent out au S.O.S. at dawn after seas carried away the bridge and sweeping to death Captain Legg, a resident of Bristol, England, and three other members of tho crew. Tho American Merchant 15 miles distant responded but Captain btedman found the raging seas too perilous to launch a lifeboat so ho ordered a linegun to be used. After several unsuccessful efforts a line was finally shot to the Exeter City which was settling rapidly. The first intentions were to use a breeches buoy but the idea was abandoned as too dangerous. Then a lifeboat was sent over tho lino and after several hours of manoeuvring the Exeter City’s crew wore hauled to safety. After the last man was taken aboard tho American Merchant a huge wave destroyed the lifeboat.