SHIP STRIKES ROCKS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1928, Page 2

SHIP STRIKES ROCKS

STEAMERS STANDING ]'{V. i:st ml inn <Y. N.Z. Cable Association.) NFAVi YORK. Alarcb 9. A message from Rost on states that tlie steamship Robert E. .Lee. running from Boston to New Aork with 1.50 passengers aboard, caught on jagged rocks off Plymouth. A coastguard believes it is impossible to reach the ship, as heavy seas are running and there is a high wind and blinding snow. The captain reports that there is no panic among the passengers. At present the engine room is flooded, and the vessel is shipping water rapidly. A later 'advice states that the present danger to the ship is apparently less than at first reported. The passengers are remaining on hoard until the morning unless further trouble develops. Five other ships are reported to l>e standing by in a semi-circle around if. With the wireless working on an emergency battery, due to the failure of the engine, the operator is sending onlv a few messages. The last one read. ‘’Please hurry, coastguard.” The cutter Fusc-aroa is reported to he standing by. All the passengers have been removed from the Robert F. Lee to the shore. TWO COASTGUARDS TOST. NEW YORK. March 10. The latest report from Plymouth states that twenty-five passengers, reported to be all women, were taken off the wrecked steamer by a seventyfive foot surf boat. Another surf boat overturned and eight of the coastguard crew were thrown into the water. Of these one died from exposure after rescue. and one is still missing. The sea is still very rough, hut the storm is abating somewhat, and those aboard are considered in no danger at present. There is now no water in the engine room, which was formerlv flooded. Reefs in the neighbourhood of the wreck make it dangerous for other boats to attempt to approach the vessel.