Three More Victims

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 39, 16 February 1938, Page 5

Three More Victims

Deaths in Sydney Tragedy Now Twelve LAUNCH FULLY RAISED TO SURFACE United Press Association—Bv SUectrlc Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 8.45 p.m. SYDNEY, Feb. 15. The bodies of two girls and a woman were recovered from the cabin of the Rodney to-day, Eileen Stepto, aged 16, Emily Fitzgerald, aged 18, and an unknown woman, making the known deaths 12. Eight are still unaccounted for, chiefly girls. The Rodney was fully raised to the surface to-day. She presented grim evidence of the passengers’ frantic efforts to escape, several windows being through which a number of the trapped must have gained freedom and reached the surface. Part of the Rodney's stern was smashed, while the guard-railings on the upper deck were twisted at all angles, probably when the launch hit the bottom. Women’s hats, handbags, shoes and cigarette cases were recovered by workmen who examined the interior of the cabin. The damage to the Rodney's stern is reported to have been caused when a small coastal vessel struck her while passing out to sea. The Rodney has been towed to and beached at Goat Island, on the south ride of the harbour. A preliminary inquiry iuto the disaster is now being held in camera by the Maritime Services Board. Several sailors from the American cruiser Louisville, which reached Melbourne, obtained leave and flew back to Sydney to-day to ascertain the fate of sweethearts and see the bereaved parents of girl friends. ASSISTANCE FOR RELATIVES. APPEAL TO BE LAUNCHED SYDNEY, Fob. 15. Tho Lord Mayor will launch an appeal to-day to assist the relatives of the Rodney victims who are in distress.