Luxury Ship on Reef

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 68, 13 December 1937, Page 7

Luxury Ship on Reef

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president hoover Japanese Warship Helps to Rescue Passengers VESSEL 'BUMPING BADLY>

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(Received 3, 10.50 a.m.) SAN FANCISCO, Dec. 12. The Dollar liner President Hoover sent an SOS message stating that she was wedged on a reef at Hoishoto Island, off Formosa. The message added that the German steamer Preussen was standing by to take off the 500 passengers, who were all safe. The extent of the damage cannot yet be determined. A radio message from Manila stated that the liner 's passengers were safely landed on Hoishoto Island. The message indicated that the rescue was a most couiplicated operation, and all possible salvage assistance was requested. The liner 5s doctor is organising an emergency hospital on the island. The Dollar liner, President McKinley is exected to reach the President Hoover at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Salyage tugs are proceeding from Hongkong to jettb son the cargo. Later: The President Hoover is "bumping heavily.-" She is helplessly aground, while her passengers are ashore on two small islands awaiting the appearance of rescue ships, several of which are rushing to the scene, including three United States destroyers and

also the Empress of Asia. Meanwhile, two Japanese warships are reported to be standing by. According to one report, 200 passengers have been taken off by an unnamed Japanese warship. The accident was evidently due to the fact that the liner took the "outside passage" down the east coast of Taiwan through relatively unknown. seas for the purpose of regaining lost time, instead of following the usual course down the west coast. The steamer Preussen advised by wireless that the President Hoover was in a bad position on the north-east side of Hoishoto Island, in rough sea. Soundings showed that it was impcssible to tow her off. The Preussen proceeded on her voyage, indieating that the danger is not intense. The Hiyage Islandera are reported to be helping to care for the liner 'a' passengers. High seas and winds made rescue work difficult. Several of the liner 5s holds are flooded. However, there is uo immediate danger of her sinking. It is reported that the passengers are comfortably installed in schools and private houses on Hoishoto Island. Some salvage workers, it is understood, have been injured. The salvage vessels Yosho Maru, from Hongkong, and Meho Maru, from Noji, are departing to-day. It is expected they will be alongside the President Hoover on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Dollar Line agent at Hongkong has been unable so far to communicate with the liner to obtain details.