LOSS OF THE EGYPT.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIII, 24 May 1922, Page 5

LOSS OF THE EGYPT.

NEWS oIF COLLISION AWAITED. Per Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, May 22. The courtyard of the P. and O. offices is the scene of a pathetic vigil. Groups of relatives of passengers and crew are awaiting further tidings. It is expected that some of the missing may be aboard the other vessels known to be in the vicinity. Survivors explain that the tremendous list the Egypt took after the impact made it most difficult for the passengers to approach the life-boats.

All three wireless operators perished, the chief operator, Arthur Harwick’ dying at his post. He was dining at the time and rushed to the cabin. He told the third operator to go on to the boat deck and help the officers, saying: “I will look after the wireless myself.”

When the last boat left, the assistant returned and spoke to Harwick, who refused to leave his post, but continued tapping nut S.O.S. signals. He was last seen standing at the door of the wireless cabin as the vessel plunged. The steamer Lapland of Rotterdam, arriving at Plymouth from New York, was delayed by fog. She' reported that she heard the S.O.S. 400 miles away. Several of the biggest general clothing stores at Brest were ransacked for outfits for the rescued, some of whom were almost destitute.

Specie on board the Egypt was valued at £1,000,000.

Rescued passengers narrate the bravery of the printer named Jenner. He procured a lifebelt, jumped overboard, and found himself alongside a woman without a belt and unable to swim.

Though himself no swimmer he took off his belt and gave it to the woman, saying: “Take it; never mind me.” Jenner was drowned and the woman was saved.

Surviving passengers of the Egypt have signed a statement that all might have been saved but for the unruly conduct of the Lascars.