LOSS OF BRITISH TROOPSHIP

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27395, 7 July 1954, Page 12

LOSS OF BRITISH TROOPSHIP

Vessel Said To Be Unsafe

(Rec. 9 p.m.) LONDON, July 6. The troopship Empire Windrush, of 14,651 tons, which sank in flames in the Mediterranean last March, had been “pushed and dragged around the world far beyond its reasonable expectation of life,” said Mr Sidney Silverman at the Ministry of Transport inquiry into the loss of the vessel today.

Mr Silverman, is appearing for representatives of two of the four members of the crew who died in the fire, claimed that the troopship did not comply with all safety regulations. He read letters written by two engine room mechanics who died in the disaster to the inquiry, which entered its third week today. George Stockwell wrote to his fiancee: I do not think you need worry about any more extensions (to the length of the voyage), as the ship won’t hold together for long.’’ From Hong Kong, Leslie Pendleton wrote to his parents: “It is a menace. I have never known so many things go wrong on one ship. There will be fun and games on the homeward voyage.”