THE OVALAU DISASTER

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1041, 6 November 1903, Page 2

THE OVALAU DISASTER

TWO FOOLISH MEN, A BRAVE CAPTAIN.

By Telegraph. Press Association. Copyrighl v Sydney, Nov. 5.

Only one or two male passengers and none of the ladies knew of the outbreak of fire till the Ovalau reached Lord Howe Island.

To the everlasting discredit of two members of the crew of the Ovalau, it is recorded that while the ship was being rapidly destroyed by fire they stole away from their comrades who were working at high pressure to save as much as possiblo from the burning ship, and forcod an entry into the trade room, where tho liquor wes stored. Having found a supply they partook freely, and in a short space of time were in a praotically helpless condition. When the fire gained such dimensions that it was imperative to abandon her, Captain Todd called the small company left on board, one boat load, and intimated that they must leave immediately for the shore. It was then that the two missing men were found enjoying themselves in the trade room, uaconscious of the danger in which they were placed. They were implored to leave, but declined to go on deck. It was impossible to make them understand that their lives were in great jeopardy. Captain Todd, upon learning what had occurred, rushed below through the dense volumes of smoke and fumes from the burning copra, and entering tho trade room caught the men by the neck, one in each hand, and by an almost superhuman effort dragged thorn up the staircaao of the burning vessell. The helpless men wero lowered over the side into the boat.