DETAILS OF THE CATASTROPHE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12410, 27 November 1908, Page 2

DETAILS OF THE CATASTROPHE.

A GALLANT COMMANDER.

HEROISM OF RESCUERS.

Received November 27, 0.30 a.m. London, Nov. 26. The Sardinia was- a vessel 6i the 'Ellerman Line. Captain Litter perished. He stuck to his post throughout, and when the fire damaged the steam steering apparatus, ho went { and worked the hand gear, bringihg- the vessel's head round to the headland towards Ricasoli, avoiding the powder magazine at the mouth of the harbour. Eighteen out of 44 of the.Sardinia's ■crew, five, including one- British, out of 11 ordinary passengers; • and 100 out of 140 Moorish pilgrims perished. The vessel had just left harbour, and thousands of spectators on shore rendered energetic assistance.- The rescuers wore under, the supervision \ of AdmiralsCurzon, Howe and Fisher* Pinnaces, tugs and launches contained strong parties of bluejackets. : The outbreak started in No. 2 hold, it is believed through the pilgrims' ; endlessness. The flames . spread ; with amazing rapidity, enveloping i the 'midships. , : ! The Arabs, forward, including many . women and children, refused to jump ! orsrboard, although urged to do so by numerous boats' crews ; who were unable to approach, owing to the high seas. The hatches were blown off, killing many, mostly Arabs. Everyone in the engine-room perished. The Sardinia circled thrice, helplessly. The flames were 200 feet high, and there were repeated . explosions. Finally, still burning, she struck the Ricasoli rocks. •. . . The Sardinia's officers and crew: and the naVal parties displayed the utmost heroism throughout. Twenty-seven corpses were recovered, and 52 people are under treatment in the hospitals. '■ * The Duke of Connaught, the Archbishop and clergy, and the Governor and Lady Grant rendered active personal kindness.