The Vestris Disaster

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 289, 21 November 1928, Page 5

The Vestris Disaster

RADIO MESSAGES

ITALIAN SHIP WITHIN 3 5 MILES

By Telegraph—Copyright —Press Assn, NEW YORK, Nov. 20.

Captain E. P. Jessup, of the United States Navy, has been selected as the American expert for the Vestris inquiry.

When the investigation was resumed to-day, John-. Smith, of the Marconi Wirless Company, gave evidence regarding the communication between the Vestris and the Voltaire. The Voltaire is a sister ship, and was nearby, but was unable to proceed to the assistance of the Vestris, because of a broken propeller.

The radio log of the Radio Marine Company’s Chatham station was presented by Captain Arthur Costigan, which revealed that the Italian ship Giorgio Chlesen was apparently within 35 miles of the Vestris, and relayed messages from the stricken vessel, but it did not explain why it failed to go to her assistance.

SEVERAL LEAKS SOMEWHERE.

Australian and N.Z. Press Association. NEV/ YORK, Nov. 20.

The radio records showed that the Vestris told the Voltaire it had nothing tp communicate as late as 4.56 on Monday. . The third officer testified that several boats did,- not have proper officers in charge. He said that three of the four boats he launched reached the water, safely, and added: •‘Nobody could give an accurate idea why the Vestris sank. There was a general opinion, however, that the packing worked loose from the port door on the'coal',bunkers, thus causing leaks into the engine-room.” He said he discovered several such leaks and conferred with Captain Carey, who at once remarked: “The situation is serious. The Vestris must be taking in water from some place besides leaks,” but a search failed to reveal any such place.