FIRE ON THE RUAPEHU.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18898, 26 June 1923, Page 8

FIRE ON THE RUAPEHU.

THREE HOLDS BURNED OUT.FOURTH OFFICER’S NARROW ESCAPE. (From Ouh Own Correspondent.) On the morning of May 15, lire broke out on the Ruapehu, and as a result considerable damage has been done tc the vessel. The New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamer was lying in Blackwall Dry Dock undergoing periodical repair after discharging her cargo at West of England ports. The officers and engineers on duty were the only people sleeping on board. Watchmen, of course, were on duty. The fire seems to have broken out some time after midnight, in No. 3 hold, and it spread rapidly to Nos. 2 and I holds/ Although the holds contained no cargo the insulation packing provided ample fuel. Some two tons of ammonia carried for refrigeration purposes complicated matters considerably. When tho dock fire brigade arrived tho fumes from this chemical were so strong that tho firemen had to don their gas masks and breathing apparatus in order to make a search for officers who were not accounted for. Only one man, the fourth officer, Mr Robert Wilson, was injured. Indeed, it was very lucky he escaped with his life. His cabin was destroyed. Ho himself was taken to hospital suffering from severe injuries to the face and hands. At one time it was feared that the vessel would bo burned out, and that other shipping would be endangered, but this was eventually prevented. Fifteen motor pumps and over 100 firemen were engaged for four hours before the fire was mastered. Besides Nos. 1,2, and 3 holds being completely burned out, the bridge, the captain’s quarters, the chart house, and tho saloon were gutted. ..'At present there is no knowledge as to how the fire started, but an inquiry will doubtless be held. Third-class passengers booked to sail for New Zealand by the Ruapehu will be accommodated in the Paparoa and the Corinthic.