TRAGEDY OF SEA

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 105, 28 January 1935, Page 9

TRAGEDY OF SEA

Heavy Death List When Steamer Sinks TWO SHIPS COLLIDE Forty-five Reported to Have Perished By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received January- 27, 7.30 p.m.) New York, January 25_. As more accurate information comes in the sinking of the steamer Mohawk is turned from an unfortunate sea accident into a jhastly tragedy. The fate of Captain Joseph, Wood has not been determined. The first light on the possible cause of the collision is shed by a seaman who was on the bridge. He declared that the automatic steering gear suddenly became deranged and the vessel, which was travelling at full speed, swerved toward the Talisman and ploughed into her. Two seamen were crushed to death on the impact. Rescued passengers told of the horror of the crash and of seeing people “swimming and screaming in the water.” John Puckhaber, a steward, said the ship dived quickly and was gone half an hour after the crash. At least 32 are known to have perished, and 15 others are feared lost. Eight of the dead are passengers, including four women. Virtually frozen bodies were recovered from the Atlantic by searching vessels, 116 being rescued. Some bodies were found miles away. Thirtyone bodies have been recovered. A later message states that an inquiry has been opened into the disaster. The death list is stated at 45. Thirty-five bodies have been recovered and ten people missing have undoubtedly perished. It was testified that the collision followed the failure of the Mohawk’s steering gear to function, although it was tested before the vessel left port. The master of the Talisman made the charge that the Mohawk instructed him not to lower the lifeboats, although apparently he could have saved several who were thrown overboard. From the testimony it appeared that many died when the lowering apparatus of two of the Mohawk’s lifeboats lammed, .throwing the occupants into the icy water.