THE CHANNEL COLLISION

Evening Star, Issue 19802, 28 February 1928, Page 8

THE CHANNEL COLLISION

LOSS OF THE ALGAHTARA

CANCELLATION OF S.O.S. DENIED

LONDON, February 27

i’avon, the engineer of the Alcantara, who is barely oft in height, had an astonishing escape. He was thrown across the engine room by the force of the collision, but picked himself up half dead and struggled on to the deck, which was already under water. Halfwalking and half-swimming, Pavon managed to clutch a chain on the Tovarisch’s bowsprit just us the Alcantara sank stern first. Pavon held ou for lOmin until a Russian sailor climbed along the bowsprit and lowered a lifebelt ou a rope. Pavon was then hauled aboard.

Aeroplanes and fishing boats have been searching for hours for possible survivors, but so far without result, though two bodies wearing lifebelts, have been recovecrd.

The captain of the Tovarisch indignantly denies that ho was responsible for tlio cancellation of the S.O.S. ■

CREW SWORN TO SECRECY

LONDON, Fcbuary 20. The entire crew of the Tovarisch is at present confined to the ship. The members have been sworn to secrecy by a representative of the Aims Steamship Company. It is impossible under the circumstances to clear up the -nigma.