A CHANNEL TRAGEDY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18975, 28 March 1924, Page 5

A CHANNEL TRAGEDY

COLLISION DURING FOG JAPANESE STEAMER SUNK By Telegraph.—Press Association. Copyright. TOKIO, Marfch 26. The Japaneses steamer Tokofukujnaru bound from Bremen to Japan, was sunk in collision with the German steamer Heindal during a fog oi Dungeness. Twenty-three of the Tokofokumaru’s crew ar e missing. Fifteen were landed at Dover. COLLISION OCCURS AT NIGHT (Sun cable.) LONDON, March 26. The Heindal-Tokofukumani collision occurred at night. Lights were invisible owing to fog. The Japanese steamer capsized and sank in two minutes. A SAILOR’S STORY. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE IN THICK FOG. Received March 27, 10.30 p.m. LONDON, March 27. The Channel collision occurred at 11 jo’clock at night off Dungeness. A thick fog made invisible the ships' lights. The Tokofukumaru disappeared in two minutes. A huge hole was made in the side and many of the crew thrown into the water, including the captain and chief officer, were picked up by the Heimdal. The missing are believed to have been asleep in their bunks, where they were trapped like rats. - . Lifeboats found no survivors. S,

A Heimdal sailor said the Japanese steamer loomed up dead ahead. The Heimdal’s engines were reversed, but she struck with terrible force amidships, the impact skittling all on deek. Boats were instantly lowered but the steamer disappeared before they reached the spot. The fog was so' thick that only the cries of the Japanese in the water made rescues possible. The Heimdal's forehold is flooded. She has arrived at Dover.