STEAMER ON FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1919, Page 5

STEAMER ON FIRE.

CREW'S SUCCESSFUL FIGHT. VESSEL REACHES SYDNEY. Sydney, May 1. The Islands steamer Marsina arrived at Sydney this week from the Solomon Islands after a most exciting and anxious voyage. She was between the Solomons and Sydney when, a great tongue of flame shot up from the afterhold, the hatch having been left oil' for purposes of ventilation. It was soon found that the copra cargo was afire.

A stream of salt water was directed into the hold, and a pipe carrying, steam was also led to the seat of the lire, Meanwhile tho ship was headed for Long Island, in the Chesterfield Reefs, for it looked as if she were doomed. Gradually the fire-fighters reduced the Outbreak, however. It appears as if the control was won by the steam, penetrating masses of which were forced intp the cargo. After "some time the captain took a chance and resumed the v.oyage to Sydney. During every hour of the five subsequent days they fought the fire with steam, i» They reduced the speed 'somewhat, Jbjit. they held the fire. Still, it had got a Jlrm 'hold, and they never knew the motiieut -when it might break forth and take possession of the ship." TUe Marsina was a strange sight as she entered Sydney harbor with great mqsseg of steam floating out behind her. The passengers were landed forthwith, and the -steamer laid . close inshore, with little water under her. Then a tug came alongside and pumped water into her until she sank by the stern on to the bottom. She was left like that for an hour and then pumped dry again. They did a good deal of damage by water, but they put the fire out, and the ship was saved. Structurally she suffered practically no damage.