EVENTFUL TRIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23057, 7 June 1938, Page 10

EVENTFUL TRIP

REMUERA'S VOYAGE STORMS IN ATLANTIC ACCIDENTS AND SICKNESS FIRE OUTBREAK AT PANAMA Fire, storms, accidents and sickness were among the happenings which provided an eventful voyage for passengers on board the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer Remuera which arrived from England yesterday morning. After an unexpected delay of 10 hours at Plymouth, the Remuera left on April 30 and was only about two days out when heavy seas were encountered in the vicinity of the Azores. Strong winds rose and huge waves were washed aboard. Water constantly flooded the decks. For several days the storm continued without abatement and many passengers were confined to their cabins. Cook Thrown to Deck Struck by a wave in the early stages of the storin a cook was thrown on to the deck and broke his collarbone, being confined to bed for about three weeks. Another seaman suffered an injury to his chest, while several other mishaps of a minor nature occurred. The .ship was not damaged in any way. While the storm was raging measles broke out on board, one of the engineers being affected. The officer was isolated and fortunately made a quick recovery so that by the time the Remuera reached Curacao the necessary period of quarantine had expired, and passengers were able to go ashore. Outbreak in Engine Room Further incident occurred at Panama for, while the ship was berthed one night, fire broke out in the engine room. The outbreak was located in some ventilating equipment and had a fairly good hold. Quick work by officers and members of the crew soon had the fire under control, however, and it was extinguished within about half an hour. Damage was not very extensive. Few passengers knew of the outbreak at the time and there was little alarm. The remainder of the voyage was completed in fine weather and without further untoward happenings. A call was made at Pitcairn Island.