SURVIVORS AT NEW YORK

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 January 1939, Page 7

SURVIVORS AT NEW YORK

SCENES OF WILD DISORDER MOB TAKES POSSESSION OP RESCUE SHIP I IU P A —Bv Ei«»ctric Telegraph —Cui«yri*totl ‘Received 25th January. 9.%1 a.m.) NEW YORK, 24th January. Scenes of wild disorder marked the arrival of the tanker Esso Baytown here to-day with the ten survivors of the Cavalier disaster. The crowd fought with the police, calling pn the captain to “Tell your story.'” A telegraph boy was crushed under the gangway. receiving severe injuries. The police finally gave up and 1500 men and women swept aboard. They took possession of the tanker, ran through the passage-ways, ripped open cabin doors and invaded the hold and engine-room seeking souvenirs. A STEWARDS HEROISM The survivors paid a tribute to Ihe heroism of Spence, one of the stewards. Injured and without a lifebelt, he swam up and down encouraging the weary, adjusting slipping lifebelts, massaging stiff muscles and wiping off frostbite. Then, exhausted, he slipped out of sight. The first officer. Neil Richardson, when sharks were attracted by blood from the injured, said: ‘They’re scared of their own shadows. Look!” and swam toward them, splashing and shouting.