SEVERE WEATHER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 255, 27 October 1937, Page 7

SEVERE WEATHER

BRITISH COAST LASHED DISASTER IN THE MERSEY [ British Official Wirelees.] RUGBY, Oct. 25. There was severe weather all round the coasts of Britain during the weekend. The gale was particularly heavy in the English Channel, where at times the wind reached a velocity of 80 miles per hour. Small ships were driven to shelter. Huge waves rolled over the promenades and coast roads, bringing traffic to a standstill and flooding the streets and houses in some coastal towns. For over three hours the Isle of Wight was without electricity, due to failure of the supply and Jersey and Guernsey were cut off for many hours from telephonic and telegraphic communication. The cross-Channel boats had to slow down to half-speed during part of their journey, but the delays were not prolonged. Four yachtsmen were rescued by the Southern Railway steamer when their boat was on the point of sinking. The Clan Mackenzie, which was holed in a collision during the storm with the liner Manchester Regiment in the Mersey, lies on a sandbank near the bar with only her masts and funnel visible at high tide. She is likely to become a total loss in spite of the efforts of tugs and salvage vessels to save her. All members of the crew, including 15 white officers and 60 Lascars, were saved. High tributes were paid to the courage and coolness of the Lascar firemen and foreman who, when the water reached the engine room, drew the fires to prevent an explosion.