SHOOTING LIFELINES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19504, 3 February 1926, Page 7

SHOOTING LIFELINES

MID-ATLANTIC RESCUE WORK SJX .MEN BROUGHT TO SAFETY LONDON, Feb. 1. Captain Wurpts was clearly disappointed that they were unable to rescue ail of the Laristan’s crew. He told how they searched for hours, owing to a wrong wireless direction. When the vessel was sighted it was absolutely impossible to lower a boat, so he resolved to endeavour to cast lines in order to bring the crew over. Eventually a line was attached to one of the Laristan’s free boats, but to Captain Wurpts’ disappointment only seven or ten got in. Six of these were brought to safety, but a rope ladder fouled the propeller and the boat drifted off. Several unsuccessful attempts were made shoot lines to which life-rings were attached. They succeeded in connecting twice, but the Laristan’s men did not avail themselves of these opportunities. He remained near the ship all night, but radios went unanswered. He la«t sighted her at six in the afternoon. Three firemen who got into the boat said they came from below just in time. The boat was badly damaged, and incapable of holding more than seven. They thought it hopeless, but she was regarded as their only chance. ANOTHER DRIFTING WRECK VICTIM OF ATLANTIC STORM NEW YORK, Feb. 1. The liner Westphalia on .Monday rescued rhe crew, numbering twenty, of the French freighter Alkaid. which was disabled 1000 miles east of Newfoundland.