THE MID-ATLANTIC TRAGEDY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1883, 17 October 1913, Page 7

THE MID-ATLANTIC TRAGEDY.

LINER STILL AFLOAT.

THIRD OFFICER CRITISES THE CARMANIA. BOATS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT SOONER.

Br Telezranh—Press Association—OnDyrisht "Times" —Sydney "Sun" Special Cables.

(Rec. October 16, G. 40 p.m.)

London, Octobor 16. The Cunard liner Campania reports that she circled the Volturno in midocean. Tho latter was making a knot an hour. Her hull appeared to bo in good condition, and liable to float indefinitely. The Campania made a careful search for tho missing boats, but none were seen. WIRELESS OR NOTHING. London, October 15. The oommittee of tho National Sailorß' and Firemen's Union has decided to consult members as to whether they will bo prepared to refuse engagements on any ocean-going cargo vessel aftor May 1, 1914, unless such vessel is equipped with wireless apparatus. CARBIDE OF CALCIUM EXPLODED. ■ (Rec. Octobor 16. 11.15 p.m.) _ London, October 16. Survivors from tho Volturno disaster wTio have arrived at Rottendam, agree that the fire was caused by an explosion of carbide of calcium. They deelaro that the work of fighting the firo was so successful'that the flames would undoubtedly have beon extinguished had tho news of the approaching liners not led the passengers and crew to abandon tho task, believing that the arrival of relief meant safety. TOLD BY THE OFFICERS. CARMANIA'S WORK CRITICISED. . (Reo. October 17, 0.5 a m.) New York, October 16. Mr. Disselman, third officer on tho Volturno, believes that between eighty and ninety passengers wero trapped by tho first explosion, and either killed or incinerated. He admits that somo of the stokors had to, bo driven back to work at tho point of the pistol. Tho Oarmania, ho says, did all that was possible. Her boats wero unable to live in such a sea when she first arrived.

Mr. Lloyd, second officer on the Volturno, when interviewed, bitterly criticised tho failure of tho linors to send their boats to the Volturno'-s assistance. He declares that Captain. Inch became desperate, and requested volunteers to show tho other captains that it was not impossible'to launch boats. Lloyd and three of tho others volunteered to go as far as tho Grosser Kurfurst, when the boat was smashed. _ , ' Almost at tho last, Captain Inon sent a wireless: "My God I. Cannot stand this long. Send some boats." The other captains replied: 1 "Tried our best; sea too heavy; no boat could live." , . •,

Asked why the Carmania saved only ono passenger, Lloyd said: "God only knows. No boats were lowered from tho Carmania even after, we showed the way."

Many of the Grosser Kurfurst's passengers corroborate this statement.