EXPLOSION IN YACHT

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1930, Page 9

EXPLOSION IN YACHT

LUXURI OUS-INTERIOR RUINED.

FORTUNATE E'SC.-VPE GF CREW.

A large storage tank of petrol deep in the hold of Mr. -Cornelius Vanderbilt’s recently purchased stream-lined yacht, Winchester, exploded at New York on April 28. The ship was tied up at the New York Yacht Chib anchorage in East River and the terrific concussion set windows- rattling for miles round. Nobody was injured. A lingo cloud of oily smoke rose a hundred feet above the yacht and a moment later flames leaped up from a great hole which 'had been torn through the decks. Then the yadht broke loose front' her moorings and began drifting down tthe river, closely pursued by two fire tugs. Thesegrappled witfn the craft and within an hour bad subdued the flames. Mr. Vanderbilt was not on board at the time and by a piece of extraordinary luck every man of the 23 membeis of t.he crew escaped without a scratch. Captain Jeffries, the first officer, and 16 seamen were forward in the messroom when the blast rent the ship. They were able to rush on deck and jump overboard to safety before the flames enveloped the vessel. Bellevue Hospital, which is close to the Yacht Club wharf, felt most of the force of the blast and the patients were thrown into a momentary panic when their beds trembled ami chairs rocked. The Winchester is a beautiful vessel and the fastest private yacht afloat. She is equipped with powerful turbines. Her luxurious interior has been destroyed and the superstructure blackened and burned, but the hull has not suffered serious damage. It is estimated that the cost of the Winchester, with all her luxurious fittings, was over £200,600. Only recently Mr. Vanderbilt spent £40,000 on overhauling the ship. She is 225 ft, long, with a 21ft. beam.