STOWAWAYS PERISH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18566, 26 November 1923, Page 9

STOWAWAYS PERISH.

FIFTEEN TRAPPED IN FIRE.

STEAMER BURNED IN PORT.

EARLY MORNING EXPLOSIONS

TRAGEDY AT MARSEILLES. By Telegraph—Press Association"— Copyright. A. and N.Z. PARIS', Nov. 23. Over 20 persons were burned to death aboard the Guernsey Shipping Company's steamer Otterburn as the result of explosions that occurred as the ship was lying at the outer breakwater of Marseilles ready for departure at. daylight. The Otterburn was bound from Barcelona to New York with a cargo of cotton goods, chlorates and benzine.

Three explosions occurred in quick succession at one o'clock in the morning, and dense volumes of smoke arose, the Otterburn being quickly enveloped in flames.

The port authorities, in response to wireless calls, speedily sent out motor launches and floating fire engines, but tho firemen could not board the steamer, as she was burning fiercely amidships and astern, the flames rising as high as the mast. The decks glowed red hot, and the fire-fighters were just ready to bomb and sink the ship when a motor launch reported that members of the crew were clinging to the anchor chains and perched on the bows.

As the fire-fighters could not approach nearer they shouted to the survivors to jump into the sea. This they did, and 23 were rescued.

Several bodies were later picked up. The fire partially burned itself out, and several were able to board the ship forward, though the 'tween decks was still a roaring furnace. Two charred bodies •were picked up at the bottom of the bridge ladder. Later it was stated that there were 15 stowaways aboard hoping to get to America. All perished. Some attribute the fire to these men, and suggest that they smoked in their hidingplaces below.