LOSS OF THE SHIP MAI BLUME BY FIRE.

Grey River Argus, Volume VI, Issue 427, 8 October 1868, Page 2

LOSS OF THE SHIP MAI BLUME BY FIRE.

We have to report the tot.il loss by fire of the ship Ma' Blume, in Bombay harbor, yesterday morning. This vessel, which was of North American build, and quite new, was one of the earliest chartered for the Abyssinian expedition. She was of 1191 tons burden, and was commanded by Captain Bcrryman. At the time the fire broke out she had on brard about 500 bales of hay and a lartje nnmber of iron tanks ; and it is to the fortunate circumstance that the latter were in course of discharge that we are able to report that the cantain saved nearly all, and the crew all, their personal effects. The rirft was first discovered shortly before one o'clock yesterday morning by the third officer of tbe Mai Blnme, when all on board were quickly amused. A n attempt was first made to learn the extent of the tire, but a removal of one of the hatches --which, however, was promptly replaced— showed that the fire had such a complete h< 1 1 of the vessel that any attempt to check it 3 progress must i rove futile. Fortunately, a lighter, into whish a number of iron tanks had been put the previous afternoon, was alongside, and into this everything within reach was platted, including all the clothes of the crew and the greater mrt of the personal effects of the captaiu. By the time this was accomplished, the fhe had made such progress that it was no longer possible to stay on board, the captain, his wife, and child proceeding to one of the neighboring vessels. The first to render assistance was the captain of the Glendevon, who, with commendable promptitude, immediately on the first alarm, took a number of his crew on bonrd, and then went for the aid of the harbor authorities. Tie first to respond was the Bombay marine steamer Camel, in chavge of Mr Peters, which fortunately had its fires banks, but by the time she reached the Mai Blume, although less than an hour from the time when the fii c was first discovered, the latter was one mass of flame from stem to s f ern. The Camel was unable to do more than steam among the shipping in the neighborhood, and kef p the fire-bell ringing. Mr Jolly, of the Pilot Department, was next at the scene of the disaster, followed by Mr Trice, master attendant, and Mr Corke, Ist assistant, with the steamers Dromedary and Elephanta ; but assistance to the burning ship was out of the question, and their efforts were chiefly directed to the safety of vessels in its neighborhood, one of which had to be towed out of danger. The flames spread with astonishing rapidity, and the heat was so intense that nothing could approach the vessel within a considerable distance. Shortly after two o'clock the foremas* went down, followed at a quarter to three by the main and mizen masts, which fell together. 7t was not until after daybreak that the fire abated sufficiently to enable the fire-engines to proceed alongside, when both, one on each side, poured into her a copious stream of water, and continued doir-g so throughout the whole day. Early yesterday morning it was determined to tow the burning hull to a place of safety on the mud at the northern end of the harbor. Artificers from the dockyard were accordingly sent off to cut the cables, which proved, however, a work of great difficulty. One. of the cables was cut in less than an hour, but the other was of better metal and occupied five hours. Their work was finished shortly before six o'clock yesterday evening, when the Mai Blume was taken in tow by the Camel, and left where she can smoulder in safety. Numerous reports are current as 00 the origin of the fire, but we leave its cause to he determined by a Marine Court of Inquiry. — Times of India, Aug. 6.