Rush Of Flames

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 125, 21 May 1932, Page 5

Rush Of Flames

ON THE PHILLIPAR CAPTAIN'S OFFICIAL REPORT By Telegraph—Copyright —Press Assn. PARIS, May 19. Captain Vicq's report, published by the Minister of Marine, states: — ,“When a woman passenger gave the alarm, I went to the spot and found the fire spreading rapidly, altthough the fire-fighting apparatus had been brought into play. I ordered the ship to lie to and sent out an s.o.s.

“The wireless post and the subsidiary post on the captain’s bridge were aflame almost simultaneously, although far from the main seat of the outbreak. ;

“Passengers on the deck where the fire originated were unable to leave their cabins owing to the frightful rapidity of the spread of the flames, and perished asphyxiated. A few who threw themselves into the sea were saved. “The order of evacuation was women and children, then other passengers, then the crew and officers. “The Sovietskaia, the Contractor and the Mahsud picked up those rescued. We could have saved everybody if the incerdible rapidity of the fire had not caught the victims at the start.

“The passengers remained perfectly calm, and the officers and crew showed admirable devotion. : “ I left the ship at eight o'clock}, when she was a huge burning mass. I was picked up by the Sovietskaia, which transferred survivors to the Andre Lebon at ten.” NO ALARM GIVEN ADEN, May 19. Serious disclosures’are expected at the inquiry. It is stated there had been no fire drills. Some passengers declare that the lifebelts were torn and the hoses rotten, which seems incredible on a maiden voyage. All agree that no alarm was given. Three sailors in a for’ard cabin were unaware of the fire until two hours after it had gained a hold.