ATHENIA DISASTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23941, 17 October 1939, Page 8

ATHENIA DISASTER

THREE SURVIVORS ARRIVE MOTHER AND TWO CHILDREN STORY OF HARASSING HOURS (Per United Press Association ) AUCKLAND, Oct. 16. The first of the survivors of the Athenia disaster to reach New Zealand, Mrs T. Newcombe. an Irish-Canadian. with her tamiiy of two children, Ciive and Jean, arrived at Auckland to-day with the tragedy of the liner's loss still fresh in her memory, Mrs Newcombe felt nothing but relief at reaching a haven where war has not the same >arp effect on life. . .„„ "There was no panic when orders were given to man lifeboats on the stricken Athenia," Mrs Newcombe said. "Everyone had been dulled by the shock, and the work of placing them in open boats was just like moving sheep. Sh<=> recalled that for six hours she had been a passenger with her two children in a crowded boat, which pitched and swung in a heavy Atlantic swell The position of the boat was shown by the use of flares. , , . .. The children showed little fear at the time of the explosion or during the harassing hours on the open sea. " They were very good." said Mrs Newcombe proudly. "In fact, 1 could not help feeling surprised at them. A Norwegian motor ship, the Knute Nelson, which arrived at the scene some hours after the sinking, picked up the lifeboat containing the party and stood by to render further assistance When ail hope of further rescue was lost the ve'ssel headed for Galway Afterspending some days there the party joined a ship for Glasgow, and a fewdays later were able to connect with the Duchess of Atholl at Liverpool for the Atlantic crossing. . Mrs Newcombe, commenting on the denials that a shot had been fired at the stricken liner, said that one shot a light shell, was fired in an attempt to bring down the Athenia's wireless; ecmipment. The journey from Britain was made bv the family to join Mr Newcombe, who has been in New Zealand for some time. They will reside in Wellington.