SWIFT END MET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23687, 20 June 1940, Page 11

SWIFT END MET

DAMAGE near bows NO SIGN OF PANIC BOATS PROMPTLY LOWERED LONG WAIT FOR RESCUE The Niagara met her end swiftly. tWith water pouring through gaping plates near her bows, she was transformed within a matter of minutes from a proud liner to a sinking ship without hope of salvation. In the scenes ' that followed all were heroes, and nothing but praise for the conduct of the ship's company and' passengers was heard in the rescue, ships packed with survivors. Calm and comparatively clear conditions prevailed when the Niagara was Bteaining up the coast. It was at 3.i0 a.m. that the explosion occurred. The. ship shook from stem to stern. Hatch covers and' stanchions on a forward hold were hurled into the air and many people were thrown from their bunks. The hold filled so rapidly that it was evident that the bottom of the ship had opened. Coats Over Night Attire The order to abandon ship was given almost immediately. Wrapping coats around their, night attire to ward off the chill of the early morning, passengers made their way in orderly fashion to boat stations. Wearing lifebelts and discarding any thoughts of luggage and other property, they took their places in a manner which prompted one experienced passenger to observe that it all went as smoothly as if it were boat drill. . At four o'clock, when the ship was settling by the head, the majority of the passengers and crew were in the boats and the work of abandoning ship being facilitated bv the fact that the electric lighting system was still in commission. Even the ship s cat, spitting her contempt at disaster, was firmly grasped by a seaman and included in a boat's complement. Courage in Engine-room

The last to leave were some of the engine-room staff, who traditionally neglected peril to cool the boilers, put out the fires and perform the other tasks which prevented the boilers from exploding and creating further havoc. In charge of this work was the second engineer, Mr. E. H. Church, and the third engineer, Mr. F. Hughes. Some of the crew had to escape very hurriedly. Two left without any clothes and arrived on" board the Kapiti wrapped only in blankets. They were taken down into the engine-room to get warm. One fireman of the party, Mr. J. L. Murray, was so intent on his duties that he reached the deck after all the boats had left, but when his plight was noticed one speedily returned to take him off the ship. Faith in the Captain

In stating that one such experience was more than enough, a passenger did no more than reflect the general opinion of everyone on board. Men and ■women wore both excited and alarmed, but even when it was almost immediately apparent that the Niagara was doomed they abandoned the ship with remarkable composure. In the slight sea that was running the launching of the boats was a comparatively easy task, the commander, Captain Vt. Martin, and his officers directing the task in a manner which inspired confidence. The ship disappeared beneath the water at 5.32, and, acting on Captain Martin's order, the 18 boats kept comparatively close getherCheerfulness and optimism were again apparent. Songs were sung, jokes were cracked, rind there was laughter. Eagerly all awaited for the first glimpse of the dawn or the arrival of help. Passed by Large Vessel

Shortly before daylight many of the sur\ ivors saw a large vessel pass close bv. Flares' were lit and hopes were raised, hut the ship did not. alter course and, proceeding on her way, she left the disappointed people to wait - again. When an aeroplane was seen overhead at 7.50 it was apparent'that aid was on tl\e way, but it was not until a coastal steamer arrived at 11 o'clock that the first boats' complements were transferred to more comfortable quarters.