COLLISION AT SEA

Southland Times, Issue 21361, 6 April 1931, Page 7

COLLISION AT SEA

FURTHER DETAILS. HOLE IN FLORIDA’S BOW. (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph Copyright.) London, April 3. The Florida tragedy was due to a minor mischance. One of the 19 British seaplanes participating in the manoeuvres made a forced landing in the sea and the Glorious, which was mothering the planes, rushed to its rescue at 30 knots, when, in a slight mist, the Florida, steaming at 17 knots, loomed up immediately ahead, and before the course could be altered they met in a terrific crash. The bows of the Glorious were wedged in a gaping hole in the Florida’s port bow, crushing one’ hold to the centre line and killing the immigrants in that part of the ship. A Spanish nurse on board the Florida gave a graphic account of the disaster. She says the impact was so violent ' that the bows of the Glorious completely pierced the hull. If she had been struck amidships none of the 600 on board could have been saved. Indescribable confusion and panic broke out among the Florida’s passengers, but finally calm was restored. Although the Florida was apparently in danger of immediate sinking, planks were laid down connecting the Florida’s deck with the flying deck of the Glorious. Eye-witnesses pay tribute to the discipline on the Glorious and the commendable courage of the officers and crew of the Florida. Ordinary Seaman Bicker, who was lookout on the Glorious, was crushed to death at his post. It is believed that some who are missing were thrown overboard by the impact. DEATH ROLL THIRTY. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, April 4. The death roll as a result of the collision between H.M.S. Glorious and the Florida is 30. ALL BODIES NOT YET RECOVERED. (Rec. 11.45 p.m.) London, April 5. All the bodies have not yet been extricated from the Florida. It is impossible to identify many of them as they are so mutilated. The Glorious has been ordered to remain at Gibraltar until responsibility for the accident has been established.