STEAMER'S NARROW ESCAPE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17101, 5 March 1919, Page 6

STEAMER'S NARROW ESCAPE

ARGYLLSHIRE TORPEDOED.

STEERED BY, PROPELLERS.

, Among the very narrow escapes fromdisaster during the war period is that of the Federal-Shire Line steamer Argyllshire, which arrived from Sydney.yesterday morning.. She -wa3 navigated in a sinking condition for 30 miles with part .of her stern* blown away, her propellers damaged, and her steering gear shatteredThe incident occurred when the vessel was en route from London to Devonport to embark wounded soldiers for Australia.' A torpedo struck the vessel aft, blowing away practically the whole of the stern, with the rudder post and rudder. Fortunately the two screws remained in place on, the starboard and port sides of the wrecked stern. .The .ship, commenced '■ to fill aft, 'and it seemed'- that :* the crew would have to take to the . boats. The ■ main watertight bulkheads held, how-: eviT, and when the electrical pumps, were operated at full pressure it was found' that, although the water,was gaining on the pumps, there was a chance of getting the vessel to Plymouth,. 30 miles away. Water Entered the enginiß-K>om, aiid the engineers worsed the engines with the water swirling around. them. - In'the •absence; of s-fedring-gear the,, vessel was navigated wwh the port- and starboard propellers, on s orders given ".'by means 'of the bridge telegraph. Wireless messages for assistance were sent out,, and when the vessel was 13 miles off Plymouth she wasmet by tugs, but owing' to her $ speed being greater than' that of the- tngs,*she made the passage unaided and anchored in Plymouth Sound. with » her. stern.draw-, ing 37ft, owing, to the amount; of water in her hull. She was towed to dock, and when her electric pumps were stopped she immediately- sank on- the blocks.