FIRE OCCURS AT SEA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19126, 18 September 1925, Page 8

FIRE OCCURS AT SEA.

OUTBREAK ON THE KOSMO.

DAMAGE IN ONE H*OLD.

GENERAL AVERAGE PROPOSED. FLAMES PROMPTLY SUPPRESSED. The steamer Kosmo, which arrived frqm New York early yesterday morning, reported that a fire broke oufc in her bunkers wlien about 1500 miles from the New Zealand coast. The flames spread to Ifo. 4 hold and damaged a certain amount, of cargo, but prompt measures by the officers and crew effectively suppressed the outbreak before it reached very serious dimensions. Smoke issuing from the ventilators about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of September 9 aroused the suspicions of the crew, and confirmation was forthcoming when it was discovered that some of the deck plates were heated. Originating in the after end of the bunkers, the firo spread to the shelter deck in No. 4 hold, where general cargo was stored. As a large quantity of case oil was on board, the news that the ship was on fire caused considerable alarm, especially as the inflammable portion of the cargo was located close to the seat of the fire. Fortunately, the warning had been given while the fire was in its incipient stages and immediate action saved the vessel from a serious catastrophe As soon as the alarm was given, Captain G. Swinney ordered the pumps to be manned. A head-gale was blowing and the seas were running high, making the work extremely difficulty, but water was pumped into the hold to such purpose that in an hour's time all danger was over, while by nightfall the fire was out.

Tbe hold was kept under observation all night, but there was no recurrence of the outbreak. The cargo in No. 4 hold comes solely tp Auckland consignees, and as it has been considerably damaged by fire and water, the local agents, the New Zealand Shipping Company, have decided to strike a general average, on the whole cargo. An agreement on the lines of this order will have to be signed before delivery can be taken. The amount of the contribution cannot be ascertained until the full extent of th» damage is known. Investigations yesterday were. incomplete owing to rain causing a cessation of cargo operations. Besides case oil and general cargo for Auckland the 'remainder of t>he cargo will be discharged at Wellington, Lyttelton, Timaru, Dunedin, Wa.nganui and Newcastle. v . ,