The Moa on Fire.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1914, Page 5

The Moa on Fire.

FROM THE STEM TO STERN.

CREW REPORTED SAFE. [Per Press Association.] Wanganui, February 3. The steamer Moa, bound to Wanganui from Wellington, is afire in the roadstead five miles from the entrance. She is ablaze from stem to stern. The Aropawa is standing by and lighters are going to her assistance. It is reported that there is no hope of saving the vessel, which has a load of benzine and kerosene aboard. The Moa left Wellington at 11 o'clock last night and was sighted by the pilot at 9.45 a.m. It is presumed the crew have left the vessel, as boats were seen through glasses going backwards and forwards to the Arapawa.

A THRSLLINC STORY. FIRE STARTED BY EXPLOSION. FIREMAN KILLED INSTANTLY. CREW JUMP INTO THE SEA. Later news from Wanganui states that the Arapawa arrived at the wharf at 11.45 with the survivors from the .Moa, one of whose firemen, a -man named Kennedy, was killed. It appears that he was sitting on the hatch at the stern of the vessel when suddenly an explosion occurred, killing him instantly.

In an incredibly short space of time, the vessel was ablaze from stem to stern, the flames leaping from the ports and funnel.

The crew were unable to launch the boats, which were instantly wrapped in flames.

They threw life-buoys and bits of wood ovtrboard, and then jumped into the sea.

Meanwhile, the Arapawa, which had been lying about a mile away, wa* rushing to their assistance, but could not approach within 100 yards of the burning vessel owing to the terrific heat; and the fact that the Arapawa herself was loaded with over 4000 cases of benzine and kerosene made that vessel's position anything but safe, even at.that distance. Boats were lowered from the Arapawa, and fortunately all the men were picked up. \

So suddenly did the survivors have to leave the doomed vessel that it was impossible to attempt to recover the bodv of their unfortunate comrade.

As it was, there could have been no hope for those aboard the Moa had the Arapawa not been'handy.

A fireman was rather badly burned hut the others escaped unhurt.

The Moa is a small steamer of about a hundred tons, which is engaged on the Wellington-Wanganui-Xew Plymouth run. The Arapawa is another small steamer, belonging to the South Taranaki Steamship Co.. which runs between Wellington and Wanganui.