SHIP ON FIRE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 20 April 1939, Page 9

SHIP ON FIRE

SUSPICION OF SABOTAGE ITALIAN WORKER ARRESTED A FIREMAN KILLED (United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, April 19 A serious fire brdxe out on board the Frencli liner Paris at Le Havre last night, says a message from Paris, it began in the ship’s bakery at 11.30 p.m. and the llames rapidly spread to the principal saloon and the promenade deck which was ablaze at 12.30 a.m. The flames were slowly being brought under control at 2 a.m., says the Paris correspondent of the Times, but it was feared that most of the passenger accommodaton had been destroyed.

Two of the ship’s firemen fell into the hold while fighting the llames. One was killed and the other was seriously injured.

Sabotage is suspected, and the Paris correspondent of the British United Press says an Italian dock worker has been arrested. The liner has £150,000 worth of art exhibits on board for the New York World's Fair. She was due to sail to-day. The Liner Sinks The Independent Gable Service says the liner sank later to-day, 40 feet from the dockside. The art treasures and also several of the latest type of aeroplanes were saved. The Compagnie Generale Transatlantique (the French Line) decided yesterday to stop all visits to its ships while in port, fearing sabotage. The third largest ship of the French Line, the Paris was built at Le Havre in 1921, her gross tonnage being 34,569. Capable of a service speed of 21* knots, she was engaged in the service between Le Havre, Southampton and New York.

ANOTHER DEATH REPORTED

HULL’ INSURED FOR £500,000 DESTRUCTION OF ART WORKS ;United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received April 20, 1 p.m.) LE HAVRE, April 19 A fireman from Paris died as a result of injuries. Tne death-roll : s now two. It is feared that the art works were sunk. It is understood the hull was insured for £500,000. Over hail was placed in London. It appears that the engine-room and holds were not affected.