FIRE AT SEA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22878, 5 November 1937, Page 8

FIRE AT SEA

COASTAL LINER QUICK WORK BY CREW SPECTACLE FOR PASSENGERS [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY. Oct. IS Quick work by the crew prevented a spread of fire at sea on the inter-State liner Orungal. The tire broke out among cargo, but the ship was not damaged. With 150 passengers, the Orungal was 105 miles north of Sydney, 011 the voyage from Cairns and Brisbane. AYisps of smoke were noticed rising from a''ventilator near a hatch, on tho after deck. Passengers were walking the decks or dancing after dinner. The crew was quickly mustered, and the hatch-covers were removed. Four lines of hose were coupled up, and two seamen in smoke helmets descended into the hold to fight the fire at clo.se quarters. The flames were soon under control and within an hour tho fire was extinguished. While the crew was busy fighting the fire, passengers lined tho rails on tho upper decks and watched with interest. There was no sign of any panic. "Some df them seemed to think it was an entertainment especially arranged to pass a dull evening," said a member of tho crew. "Of course, a few ■were nervous, and were very relieved ■when we got tho fire in hand so quickly." As soon as the Orungal berthed, unloading of the damaged cargo was begun. The hold contained 500 tons of mixed merchandise, including raw Euirnr, maize, cased goods and machinery parts. Although the flames had been confined to one corner of the hold, it was found that considerable damage had been caused by water, particularly.to the sugar and maize. As the Orungal was not damaged, her timetable was not altered, and she left with a full complement of passengers going south for the Melbourne Cup festivities.