The Recent, Naval Disaster

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 3, 4 July 1893, Page 2

The Recent, Naval Disaster

ADMIRAL TRYOX BI.AIMKD FOR THE OCCURRENCE. (PER TUEBS ASSOCIATION.') London, July - Captain Bourke reports that the Victoria was going full speed astern at the time of tho collision. Admiral Tryon sent him below to see if tlie wator-iijrlit doors were clostil. He found them closed mid tho men at thctr stntions. The steadiness of all the crtw, ho states, is be.vond all praise, and there was no si^n of panic. He himself wns sucked down, but rose with the wreckage, and was rescued by one of H.M.S. Niles's boats. Lientenant H. L Heath states that seeing the collision imminent, be ordered the closing of the watertight doors and the collision mats ont. They tried to place the mats, but found it impossible, as the .ship settled down by the bows. Flag-Lieutenant Guilford states that after the collision the Victoria's engines were put at half speed ahead, but a minute later the steering gear broke down. Stall-Commander Hawkins Smith was I twice sucked under, but supported himself j by oars. July 3, It is officially stated that Staff Commander Hawkins Smith advised Admiral Tryon to ran go the ships eight cable lengths apart and the Admiral as* sentod, but Mirnul was afterwards given for six. Admiral Tryon was specially informed the order was flying for six lengths and replied " let it remain." Admiral Markham who was on the Camperdowu hesitated, and the Victoria immediately again signalled to him by semaphore " What are you doing ?" Tryon afterwards came on deck and personally gave orders for the fatal turning movement. The Camperdown had the doors closed, and was prepared for a collision. Rear Admiral Markbam's official report confirms the account already published of the eflect of the order to reverse positions. He states that when he saw a collision was inevitable he ordered full speed astern, but it was too late. It is reoorted that Tryon had been on the sick list for peTeral days and had only returned to doty on the morning of the disaster. The Press blame Trjon for the catastrophe but say there was some excuse on account of his illness.