SICKNESS AT SEA

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 131, 29 November 1929, Page 10

SICKNESS AT SEA

CALL FOR ASSISTANCE

DOCTOR FOUND BY WIRELESS

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evaning Post.")

AUCKLAND, This Day. News of a dramatic call for medical assistance, which was picked up in the Pacific Ocean on 7th November, was brought to Auckland by the steamer Mm, which arrived from New York yesterday. The call was made by the steamer Sithonia (6640 tons), and the Mm was able to secure help from the Shaw, Savill and Albion steamer Tamaroa, en route from Wellington, to London.

Mr. H. Roberts, the wireless operator of the Mm, heard the Sithonia's call early in the- evening. Communication was established, and the Sithonia, which was bound from Tampico to Brisbane with cargo, made an urgent appeal for medical advice. Three of the crew had become violently ill with a strange complaint. The. Mm does not carry a doctor, and Mr. Eoberts sent out a general call. He managed to get m touch with the Tamaroa. By relaying the messages, the symptoms of the sufferers on the Sithonia were explained to the doctor on the Tamaroa So strange were they that he was unable to diagnose the case accurately. As the men were showing signs of distress, it was decided that the Tamaroa and the Sithonia, which were 400 miles apart at the time, should meet on the following day at an appointed' place. Having done all she could, the Mm continued her voyage to Auckland. Wireless messages received later from the Tamaroa stated that the Sithonia was met at 8 o'clock the next morning. Before the doctor went on board, however,. one man died. ■ It was found that the men were suffering from a severe form of heat stroke. The two survivors were treated, and advice was given for their care, and shortly afterwards the two vessels parted.