STRANDED LINER BURNS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 295, 16 December 1940, Page 6

STRANDED LINER BURNS

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION SALVAGE MAY BE ABANDONED [By Telegraph—Frees Aasociaiion—Copyright] Received Dec. 14, 5.5 p.m. MELBOURNE, Dec. 14. The inter-State liner Orungal. which grounded near Port Philip Heads on November 21, caught fire early yesterday and was almost completely burned out. Much of the vessel's cargo had been lightered, and an attempt was to have been made this week-end to refloat her. Discovered at 2.30 a.m., the fire.

swept quickly through the ship, gaining a strong hold in large quantities of crude oil aboard. Of 60 of the salvage crew aboard, only two suffered slight injuries. Both were trapped in the engine-room while fire-fighting. It is believed that the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion, and

when it broke out in the boiler room it was quickly out of hand.

The crew acted with great courage, when at much risk they rolled overboard large drums of oil.

The preparation for refloating had been carried on in a race against time during the week to lighten the vessel sufficiently to attempt to tow her off on spring tides at the week-end. The engine-room had been pumped out and steam raised to assist in the discharge of the cargo. It is believed that hopes of salvage were good, but doubts now exist whether any attempt will be made. The fire was still burning late yesterday afternoon.