TRAGEDY ON A STEAMER

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15853, 26 November 1923, Page 5

TRAGEDY ON A STEAMER

20 BURNED TO DEATH.

EXPLOSIONS AND FIRE.

CAUSED BY STOWAWAYS.

(Australian and N.Z. Gable Assn.) PARIS. November 23. An explosion occurred aboard the steamer Olterburn, lying at the outer breakwater of Marseilles ready for departure at daylight, over 20 being burned to death. The Otterburn was bound from Barcelona to New York with a cargo of cotton goods, chlorates and benzine. Three explosions occurred in quick succession at one o'clock in the morning, and dense volumes of smoke arose, the Otterburn being quickly enveloped in flames.

The port authorities, in response to wireless calls', speedily sent out motor launches and floating fire engines, but no firemen could board the steamer as she was burning fiercely amidships and astern, the flames rising mast-high. The decks glowed red hot, and fire fighters were just ready to bomb and sink the ship when a motor launch reported members of the crew clinging to the anchor chains and perched on the bows. As the fire-fighters could not approach nearer they shouted to the survivors to jump into the sea. This they did, and 23 were rescued. Several bodies were later picked up. The fire partially burned itself out, and several were able to board the ship forward though the ’tween decks were still a roaring furnace. Two charred bodies' were picked up at the bottom of the bridge ladder. Later it was stated that there were 15 stowaways aboard hoping to get t.o America. All perished. Some attribute the fire to these men, and suggest that they smoked in their hidingplaces below.