EARTHQUAKE RESCUES

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11685, 24 November 1923, Page 6

EARTHQUAKE RESCUES

WORK OF LINER’S CREW HUNDREDS OF SUFFERERS TAKEN ABOARD. IMPRESSIONS OF DISASTER.. The experiences of those on board the P. and O. Company’s steamer Dongola during the earthquake at Yokohama is told by Captain R. H. Griffin, in a report to his oompany. The vessel was at No. 8 buoy, in Yokohama inner harbour, when the earthquake devastated the city. At 11.55 a m. (he writes) the ship commenced to tremble and vibrate violently, and, on looking towards the shore, it was seen that a terrible earthquake was taking place; bnildinlgs wore collapsing in all directions, and in a few monutes nothing could be seen far clouds of dust. When these were cleared away fire could be seen starting in many directions, and in half an hour the whole city was in flames. The wind which had been force 6 at 11 a.m., rapidly increased to force 8, direction B.S.W. The smoke and heat blowing directly over the ships in the harbour was intense. Order was given to raise steam as quickly as possible, cable to the buoy was paid out, and an anchor dropped under foot. The barometer which read 29.70 in. at 10 a.m., fell to 29.50 by 2 p.m., it then commenced to rise, and the wind abated to force 6. It was then noticed 1 that the breakwater had subsided several feet, but fortunately the two Entrance lighthouses were left standing. About 1 p.m. the piers and: sheds on them were all burnin'g fiercely, fanned by the gale. Ship® alongside them let go their ropes on board (the shore ends of the ropes were mostly submerged), and made their way under great difficulties outside tlie breakwater. Three large ships not under command passed dangerously dose to the Dongola, one, the Lyons Mara, tactually touching our bow plate, but doing no damage, the cable being slacked away. There was also’ considerable danger from drifting and burning lighters. One of these hit the ship and sank. About 12 of the 30 occupants were hauled on hoard, the remainder being drqwned alongside. There was also danger from flying burning debris from the shore. BOATS’ CREW SENT ASHORE. Shortly before 5 p.m. the wind died away, and three boats were manned by engineers, quartermasters, . stewards, and Lascars, and sent on shore under officers to rescue what survivors were visible along the waterfront. Bach boat made several trips, until after midnight, when there appeared to be no more on the Bund. Upwards of 250 souls had been rescued>by that time, some of them being very badly injured, and all .were in a complete destitute condition. The utmost care was taken by the chip’s oompany to alleviate distress and make things as comfortable as possible A boat was dispatched to the Andre Lebon, with a request' for medical assistance and. stores, her doctor rendering valuable assistance to our surgeon. Throughout the night the_ sky was illuminated by the burning oity. At daylight next morning (Sunday) the boats were again manned and sent in. and more people brought off. At 9.30 a.m. it became highly dangerous for the ship and boats to remain in the inner harbour, owing to the large quantities of floating oil blazing furiously and drifting in various parts of the harbour. I therefore slipped from the buoy at 9.40 a.m. and came to an anchorage outside the breakwater. A steam launch, trader the charge of the Blue Funnel cargo representative (Captain Philipson), then came alongside, bringing many more survivors, returning with one lifeboat in tow to pick np others known to be making their way to the Bund. SIX HUNDRED SAVED. At 7 p.m. there were no more' to be seen and boats were hoisted, the approximate number then on board being 600 of all nationalities, including mny Russians, Chinese, and Japanese. As many of the latter as pbssible were transferred to Japanese ships before leaving. I then proceeded on my way to Kobe to land the people. The ship was also getting short of boiler water. Many ships left at the same time. I may add that one of the. ship’s

officers was on ebore on company’s business When tlie earthquake took place, having left the company’s office a few minutes previously. He was in the centre of one of the principal streets, and happened at the moment to _ be standing .between two large buildings, which withstood the shock. After the dust cleared away he was able to make his way over the fallen houses towards the remains of the pier, where he waded out to a small boat and got on board the company’s steam launcJi, close to .the Bund, but with no crew left on board. He was afterwards joined by five Europeans, who swam off from the shore. At 5 p.m., the wind having dropped, they caught a email sampan just awash, baled it out, and made their way to the ship.

I am glad to be able to report that the behaviour of the whole ship’s company was splendid throughout this most trying time, and well worthy of the company’s traditions.