UNKNOWN

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13596, 16 May 1908, Page 6

UNKNOWN

HOW A SHIP WAS NEARLY SUNK

There is a weird suggestion of the "Ancient Mariner'' in a wonderful story about a steamer's narrow escape from being wrecked by a meteor that has just reacheel Plymouth. As related by a correspondent, the story is as follows: According to Captain Benkert, the Dutch steamship Ocean, which has arrived at Philadelphia, barely escaped destruction by a meteor weighing many tons. The vessel was almos-t enveloped by huge waves, following the impact of the aerolite with the sea. ' Many of the crew became ill with the effects of the gas, which Captain Benkert declares would have asphyxiated them had they not sought shelter below decks. The gas remained in the atmosphere for more than iifteen minutes. When Captain Benkert and his men ventured on deck they found it covered with a peculiar brownish powder which fell from the sky. Then followed, according to Captain Benker. a shower of blazing meteors, which began to fall about the v-ftSel. the phenomenon lasting several minutes. The sea ab'uit the vessel became phosphorescent, and as far a» the eye could see. the men aboard the Ocean say dazzling objects ot '-vriy colntii- dancd about tht- lUiiar.'fof rh.> water. This remarkable sight, according to the log ot th<- Ocean, was witnessed at 3 o'cl.n-l; in the morning of March 4, while lln- si.-aiii.-r was in latitude 39.59 north and longitude 71.27 west.