LAUNCH ABLAZE

Evening Star, Issue 23381, 26 September 1939, Page 9

LAUNCH ABLAZE

A SUDDEN EXPLOSION FISHING BOAT TO THE RESCUE Brighton fishermen rescued nine people from a blazing motor cabin cruiser, Hilsa, which caught fire off Ncwhaven, states a correspondent of the ‘ Evening News,’ London. The vessel was the property of Mr G. H. Forrester, of Maresfield Park. Uckfield, who is 82. With him on board wore Mrs Forrester, an invalid, Mrs Hylands, and Mrs Mason, both of Maresfield Park, Miss Mich, a Swiss, Mr A. G. Marsh, of Brighton. Mr K. Coleman, of Eastbourne, Mr H. Johnson, of Brighton, the engineer, and Air C. Constance, a New Zealander, who is the skipper. Miss Mich and Mrs Mason were aft under the awning, and the others were forward when an explosion occurred in the engine room. In a few moments the yacht was ablaze almost from stem to stern.

The two women aft were cut off by the flames from the rest of the party. They took off some of their clothes and put on their life jackets. Meanwhile, Mr Constance launched a dinghy, which was also burning, and into this the party in the forepart of the Hilsa leaped, including Mrs Forrester.

The dinghy was making for the afterpart of the vessel to rescue the two remaining passengers when a fishing boat from Brighton, the Anzae, arrived on the scene and towed the dinghy two miles to Newhavcn, leaving the Hilsa to burn out. Mr Johnson was badly burned about the hands and arms, and taken to hospital. A lifeboat put out, but was not needed. The Hilsa sank.