SHIPS IN COLLISION

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 903, 26 October 1933, Page 1

SHIPS IN COLLISION

Cruiser and Tanker Crash; Four Killed. United Press Assn.— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. SAN FRANCISCO. October 24. The United States cruiser Chicago, one of the latest 10,000- tonners, was badly’ damaged and several members of the complement were killed or injured, when she collided in a fog, off Point Sur (California), with the British tanker Silverpalm (6373 tons), which was also considerably damaged. The casualties on board the cruiser were:— Chief Pay’ Clerk John Troy, killed. Lieutenant H. A. Macfarland, killed, his body being found pinned in the mangled section of the ship. Lieutenant F. S. Chapelle, died from injuries. Machinist Joseph Ohlers, seriously hurt. A great hole was torn in the port side of the Chicago, when the bow of the Silverpalm struck her forward of No. 1 turret. The Silverpalm penetrated the armour plate and bored in almost amidships. The Chicago’s forward compartment below water filled. A hole fifteen feet deep was cut in the Silverpalm’s bow. Both ships proceeded towards San Francisco under their own power. Details are lacking, but naval officers here said that the ships apparently met when travelling at high speed. The Chicago, one of the latest United States cruisers to be launched, is of 10,000 tons, is armed with nine eightinch guns and carries six seaplanes. Her maximum speed is 32.7 knots. The Silverpalm, 6373 tons, is also a comparatively' new ship, having been launched in 1929. She is owned by the Silver Line, Ltd. (Messrs S. and J. Thompson, Ltd., London).