LOST AT SEA

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1928, Page 5

LOST AT SEA

SINKS WITH ALL HANDS

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copy right).

CReeoived this day at 8 a.m.) KINGSTON (Jamaica) Oct. 28,

A striking story of the sinking of the American tanker Down Reid is revealed in her desperate calls by radio for help, is told by Commander Fulford, of the steamer Delian, which arrived after a futile effort to aid the sinking ship. While the Delian was hove-to on October 14th in a hurri-oan-six hundred miles west of Azores sh« received a 5.0.:5., signed K.Z.B.C. call letters of the British tanker Silverbrook, later known as Down Reid, of the fleet of John Kay and Cov,. Boston. The message stated:—“We are in a bad way, come over, want assistance, twenty degree list.” Seven minutes later another ‘message was received: “We are going fast.”

For a time there was silence then a further message:

“Going fast.”

The tanker’s operator then sent a series of calls in order to establish her position. Suddenly those stopped. Commander Fulford expressed the opinion that at this point the tanker rolled over and sank. The Delian did her utmost to reach the position given hut was unable to make little headway against the wind and heavy seas reaching it on the morning of October 15th together with the freighter Rotterdam which had come up. Ihe Delian searched an extensive area till noon hut no wreckage was sighted. The ship passed through a thick crude oil patch fire miles in diametci. Forty-five livafs were lost. \ _____