Extraordinary Fatality on the Manapouri

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 111, 27 February 1886, Page 2

Extraordinary Fatality on the Manapouri

.» CHIEF MATE SUFFOCATED. THIRD OFFICER DYING. fpEB UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION.) Gisborne, February 26. The Manapouri arrived from Auckland at 1.30, and signals were made for a doctor. | On the launch going off, it was found that a terrible accident had occurred. The vessel left Auckland at 1.15 yesterday. At threo o'clock the hatches were taken off to get a parcel in the hold for a lady passenger. On the removal of the hatches, smoko issued in a large volume and flames. The smell was known to be from the smoke of some acid. Mr Morris, the chief officer, and some other men went below to getjthe package before the fire communicated with the other cargo. Unfortunately, it took some time to get at the packages, the men being being compelled to breathe poisonous air for a long period. Some time after the package was got, the men became insensible, foaming at the mouth. A doctor was on board, and did all .he couldjtill the arrival of the vessel. Before Dr Pollen, of Gisborne, could get on board, the chief officer was dead. The third mate, Mr Cook, was brought ashore, and taken to an hotel. He is not expected to recover. Five men were taken to the local hospital, and are all doing well. The other men on board received less injuries. It is most fortunate that the fire was discovered in the day, as if it had remained till darkness set in the consequences would have been disastrous. The vessel leaves for Napier at noon. It is not considered that anybody else except the third mate is in danger. The weather down was extremely fine, little damage being done to the cargo, though some water was poured down the hold. The cause of the disaster was a small package of nitric or sulphuric acid, shipped at Sydney for Christchurch. The distinctive mark of the nature of its contents was m- j sufficiently prominent, the mark being ] simply the word " Acid," Such cargo j is usually carried on deck, or just under the combing of the hatchway. The third officer, Mr Cook, is sinking fast and the doctors says that he cannot last out the night. The rest are doing well. The second and fourth officers are uninjured. This Day. One of the men at the hospital, named R. G. Llyoyd, aged 25, died last night. The others are doing well. Mr Laker, third officer, not Mr Cook, as previously telegraphed, is still living, but the doctors hold out no hopes. At about 11 last night seven other men were brought ashore. The following are suffering from the effects of the accident : — Chas. C. A. Laker, third mate, E. King, R. Jackson, S. Stranger, G. Petersen, D. Eichards, J. T. Anderson, 0. Petersen, J. Crolly, A. W. Lambert, and J. Allen. The doctors expect all but the third mate to pull through. Nafibb, This Day. A meeting of the Manapouri's passengers was held last night, when resolutions were passed testifying to the efficiency of the captain, officers and crew, and expressing regret at the death of the chief officer. A subscription in aid of the sufferers was opened, and £50 subscribed amongst the saloon passengers.