OCEAN DRAMA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22213, 16 March 1934, Page 9

OCEAN DRAMA

AMERICAN GUNBOAT ON FIRE HEROIC RESCUE WORK (United Press Association ) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) HONGKONG, March 15. (Received March 15, at 9 p.m.) The United States gunboat Fulton, wljich was on piracy patrol in Bias Bay, last night suddenly caught fire and became an inferno. The British destroyer Wishart was attracted to the scene and effected heroic rescues. The British steamer Tsinan also picked up 48 men. When the Wishart arrived in a ..heavy swell American sailors were observed on the Fulton’s bows. Commander Darling skilfully brought his ship alongside the Fulton, enabling those on the bows to jump aboard safely. He then went astern and effected the rescue of others, totalling 130. The survivors paid a stirring tribute to the Commander’s marvellous piece of seamanship. As the Fulton’s lifeboats were out of reach the only alternative would have been to leap overboard. The Fulton presented an awe-inspiring sight. The smouldering hull was later towed to Hongkong. The fire started in the engine room, bursting an exhaust pipe and exploding an oil tank.