COLLISION AT SEA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 9 April 1924, Page 5

COLLISION AT SEA

OFF PORT PHILIP HEAD

ONE VESSEL FOUNDERS

(By Electrio Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

MELBOURNE, This Day

The steamers Dilkera and Wyralluh collided off Port Philip Heads late at night, and the Wyrnllnh foundered threoquartors of an hour later. The Wyrallah’s crew and one passenger are missing. The first news of the disaster was received in, a wireless from the Wyrallah staling that a collision had occurred and asking for assistance. A further message stated that two vessels wore standing by to assist.. A pilot steamer was despatched to the scene, hut before she could reach i' a pTh-ther metsage stated that the Wvrallah had foundered.

At an early hour searchlights were being- played on the scene to assist the rescue work.

Squally weather with rough seas has pi evaded along the coast and it is thought that the Vyralhih got into difficulties while leaving Port Phillip. Only „meagre details are available. One report states that she carried a crew of thirteen and two passengers. One of the latter and eight of the crew, including the captain, were rescued by the Dilkera.

Another report says that there were eight passengers aboard when the ship foundered and that all were drowned.