A SEATRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1922, Page 3

A SEATRAGEDY.

A THRILLING RESCUE. UNITED SERVICE TELEGRAMS. LONDON, Jan. 16. The German steamer Vesta, caught fire off Lowestoft. A trawler took off ten of the crew, but ten others and the mate’s wife were lost. The Vesta was carrying a cargo of benzol which shifted during a gale. The barrels, knocking together, caused an explosion. The crew were in a desperate plight, as the flames spread. Some were forced overboard by the burning deck. All the boats were bui lit but the trawler’s crew, with conspicuous courage, came alongside and saved the rest.

i Received This Day at 8 30 a.m.) LONDON, Jan 17. A stirring tale of the seas perils, and , heroism is attached to the loss of the German steamer Vesta off Lowestoft. An explosion of the benzol cargo occured at the dead of night, amidst a blizzard. The crew mustered amidships j and launched a boat which) was dashed • against the side and three were drown- ; ed. The flames crept nearer and drove the mate frantic. He seized his three weeks’ bride in his arms and leaped into the sea. Some of the crew followed, but all were lost, leaving the captain and ten others. The trawler Skipper Junker son, sighted the flames at . seven in the morning and sent a boat : in the fact of snow and terrible; seas.' The boats crew urgqcl Hie survivors to jump, but only, one responded. Then Jenkerson resolved to get close and j twice succeeded aimA was then swept away. A third! time he called on those aboard the steamer to jump and all were sfived except one frsurtiic secimsiii) who was clinging to the rails with his boots burning. A rope was thrown hm, but he had not strength to grasp it. Jenkerson with wonderful skill, brough up the trawler and when it rose on the crest of a wave,, the crew grabbed the man and pulled him aboard by main force.