LAKE STEAMER SINKS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1927, Page 1

LAKE STEAMER SINKS

Australian A' X.Z. Cable Association.j

BERNE, Fob. 18. A steamer with seven hundred pilprims aboard sank while approaching a landing stage on Lake Como. The majrity of the pilgrims, however, were saved, lint many were injured. Between 20 and CO were seriously hurt. The number dead hhs not yet been ascertained. BERNE, Feb. 10. The pilgrim steamer that sank conveyed the famous relic, the head of St. Aloy,sius, many church and civic dignitaries. Huge crowds, including the entire local garrison, thronged the shore (awaiting the arrival of Hie sacred relic. The crowd ashore saw the vessel’s stern awash and they started to cry “She Sinks!” However, the people aboilrd were chanting hymns and prayers. They did not hear the warning till the vessel came close to the jetty. Ropes were then cast ashore, and the vessel moored. Then there was a terrible scramble. A woman was crushed by, n mob rushing the gangway, and she died from her injuries. Many people leaped into the lake. Only two are dead and one missing. The police express the opinion that the steamer was overloaded. The head of the party was Bishop Pagini. who was returning from a visit of homage to the headquarters of S. Aloysius. The Bishop did notable work in allaying any panic. He made the• pilgri ms crowd on to the forecastle of the steamer. Thus he saved an awful death roll. Bishop Pagani was himself the last to remain, guarding the relics, till men swam out, and they brought him and the treasures ashore. At present only one body lias been found. The engineer of the vessel alleges that he told the daptain that the' ship was making water, but the captain persisted in making for the port. The captain has been arrested.