FIGHTING A FIRE AT SEA

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8003, 5 May 1904, Page 2

FIGHTING A FIRE AT SEA

SPLENDID DISCIPLINE AMID THE FLAMES. The passengers of the- steamer Queen, which caught fire while coining north from , San Francisco to Victoria a few weeks ago, when the vessel was battling with » fierce , gale off the Oregon Coast, express the highest admiration for the behaviour of the capi tain, officers and crew. No alarm was sounded until three lifeboats, properly equipped and manned by full crews of trained seamen, were in the water at the ship's side ready to rescue any passengers who nndght plunge off the steamer 1 in their fright. When all ready, four blasts were sounded, and in a few seconds every member of the ship's company was at his appointed post awaiting orders. It was done as. one sees such things done on board a man-of-war, and seldom any--1 where else. Consequently, when the passengers emerged from their state-rooms into the crimson glare which lit up. ocean and rigjrinff, and beheld a sight terrifying enough to flurry the pulses 6f the hardiest man, the calm, businesslike demeanour of •the Queen's "hands," waiting steadily at 'their posts, had. the effect of checking anything like panic. Then orders were given short and sharp, and were obeyed in swift silence, without emotion or hurry, toe portion of the crew crot the passengers into the boats, another, fought the fire like .members of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, without noise or agitation—all this with a piercing gale blowinc the ship pitching and tossing furiously in the darkness, fitfully illuminated 'only by the lurid flashts of the flames rolling up from the 'furnace among the timbers of the ship aft. .