Dramatic Story of the Sea

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 65, 18 March 1937, Page 7

Dramatic Story of the Sea

RESOTTE OF CREW OF CHINESE VESSEL Received Wednesday, 11.50 p.m. BRISBANE, March 17. The story of the abandonment of th-.* Haiping and the rescue of 31 of the crew, including the captain and his wife, in mountainous seas, was told to day upon the arrival at Moreton Bay o. the Mildura, which brought tho sur vivors and which herself was compelled to shelter for many hours before attempting to make port. Captain H. Raven, of the Mildura, said he located the Haiping at 6 p.m. on Sunday, about 70 miles off Sandy Gape. He stood by all night, circling the Haiping, which had a bad list and waves were washing over the boat fore and aft. The vessel was moving at ‘‘-bout two knots and seemed doomed. At 4 a.m. on Monday Captain Lalde, of tho Haiping, wirelessed that he was abandoning ship, and rescue operations began from the Mildura at about 8 a.m., occupying three hours, although the two vessels were only about 300 yards apart. The w r hole of tho Haiping’s complement was transferred to the Mildura in three separate boatloads through seas 40 feet high. Even the Haiping’s black cat was saved. The Chinese crew did their best to convey their overwhelming gratitude, and the pandemonium when all were reunited was unforgettable. They were given stimulants and made comfortable. The majority were utterly exhausted after continuous duty at the pumps and working waist deep in water for three full days, and were soon fast asleep. The Haiping’s wireless operator had had no sleep from 8 p.m. on Saturday until midnight on Tuesday.