VESSEL ENGULFED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 28 November 1939, Page 11

VESSEL ENGULFED

RISING TIDE CREW CLIMB RIGGING MERSEY DISASTER LIST OF 22 DEAD ONE MAN MISSING (Elflc. To], Copyright—United Press Assn., (Reed. Nov. 27, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 26. It is now stated that 22 are known to be dead and one person is missing as a result of the disaster to the Liverpool No. 1 pilot boat, which, as reported earlier to-day, was driven aground in the Mersey near Southport.

A survivor said that after the vessel went aground, the siren was vainly sounded for an hour and 'a half. Several of the crew were washed overboard, including the skipper. Others were lost while attempting to launch the lifeboats, both of which apparently capsized.

The rising tide engulfed the vessel, compelling those aboard to climb the rigging, but when the tide ebbed they were able to take refuge in the chartroom.

People ashore apparently mistook the siren for an air raid warning. Two of the crew in the Blackpool lifeboat which rescued six men from the pilot boat were washed overboard while she was returning to the station, but both were pulled back, one by his father who was a member of the crew of the pilot boat.

Only four of those washed ashore responded to artificial respiration. Those rescued who are in hospital include four pilots, two apprentices, the second officer, a steward and two examination officers.