A SHIP ON FIRE.
A FATAL ACCIDENT.
Melbourne, July 8.
A fire occurred on board the ship Hilaria, which arrived from New York on the Bth inst. The vessel, which was lying at the Melbourne wharf, has a general cargo, including a large quantity of kerosene and resin. The outbreak is surrounded in mystery, and quite LIOOO worth of damage was done before the flimes were extinguished. Singular to say, a sister ship — the Habitant — was burned a few months ago. July 9. The fire which was supposed to be subdued on the ship Hilaria, after doing considerable damage, bas broken out again, and is still burning. Superintendent Gee, of the Fire Brigade, was killed while working on her. The ship is being fired into to sink her. Later. The fire on board the Hilaria started in the morning in the after hatch. Some 22,500 cases of kerosene and 200 tons resin were on board. The S. D. Carleton, with 50,000 cases on board, was close astern, and was in great danger of catching fire, but she was towed out in time. The flames spread with immense rapidity, and as it was found impossible to cope with them it was decided to tow the vessel into the stream. Gee, superintendent of the fire brigade, fell down the burning hold. Another brigade officer (O'Brien), clad in a smoke jacket, twice descended amidst the flames, and was almost overcome, but with tbe greatest difficnlty rescued Gee, who was fearfully burned, and succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile the flames had obtained such a hold that the masts fell, and it became impossible to tow her away. The man-of-war Nelson fired eight shots into the hull in order to sink the vessel, but without effect. Eventually she was pumped full of water, and sank. An immense crowd collected upon the scene, and there was great excitement. The origin of the fire, which was not connected with the previous one, is a mystery. Since the ship haa been discharging the crew have been sleeping on board. Some of them had a narrow escape.
The fir»t number of the Wyndham Herald is to hand. This is the second paper to make its appearance in this small township within the past njoatJit
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18950711.2.127
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Volume 11, Issue 2159, 11 July 1895, Page 35
Word Count
375A SHIP ON FIRE. Otago Witness, Volume 11, Issue 2159, 11 July 1895, Page 35
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