LOSS OF THE VESTRIS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 14 November 1928, Page 5

LOSS OF THE VESTRIS

RESCUE OPERATIONS REPORTS FROM STEAMERS United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright Australian Press Association (Received 14th November, 8.50 a.m.) NEW YORK, 13th November. Latest messages from rescuing vessels reported that all the Vestris’ passengers and crew had been picked up except the occupants of one boat and one raft. Officials here claim that this means at least 250 are already rescued. The American Shipper wirelessed stating that it picked up three lifeboats with survivors, and was still standing by. The message also stated: “One boat and one raft are still missing.” A further message from the French ship My riant, said that the latter resated two lifeboats of survivors, including Captain Carey. Officials of Lamport Holt here declare that each lifeboat is capable of carrying 57 persons, on which it bases that between 250 and 235 persons should now have been rescued.

No actual casualties were reported up to 8.30 o'clock this morning. Suc-h definite details as are available show that the Myriam picked up 53 passengers and crew, the American Shipper picked up 33 passengers and 90 of the crew, while the battleship Wyoming wirelessed: “Passing through wreckage, picked up five people from the water. The Radio Marine Corporation intercepted a message that the steamship Berlin is carrying the passengers of two lifeboats, but it is not known whether these have been transferred from another rescue ship. Messages from the scene of the disaster bespoke possible tragedy. _ The Wyoming reported that it rescued another survivor clinging to the wreckage, shortly after which the Berlin sent three messages in quick succession, the first reading, “rescued man believed to be dead in drifting lifeboat,” the second “rescued one man drifting in lifeboat; lie tells that a woman with a child is drifting within a radius of two miles,” and the third, “still searching for two lifeboats and makeshift raft reported to nave two women on it." It is thought- possible that the first and second messages may be confused, but there is no confirmation at present available.

The last of the foregoing messages from the Berlin were at variance with other reports regarding the number oi lifeboats and rafts stni missing, especially with the message relayed to the coastguard headquarters, Washington, from its Norfolk, Virginia, base, which advised that all the lifeboats had been picked up, but one raft was missing. This message also stated that the American Shipper and the Myriam were proceeding to New York, while the Wyoming was heading lor Hampton Roads. The coastguard headquarters ordered the cutters Mascoutin, Manning, and Modoc to continue the search with the destroyers Davis and Cucker. A message received from file American Shipper stated that Mr Davis, an Australian journalist, was rescued, but liis condition is unknown.