DISABLED SHIPS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1929, Page 6

DISABLED SHIPS

OFF FLORIDA COAST,

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

NEW YORK, Jan. 23,

Captain Fried lias sent the following radio message to the Radio Marine Corporation: “The America is standing by the steamer Florida, which is disabled.” .

The American located the disabled ship more than seven hundred miles off the Virginia capes to-night. The Florin’s Ifebonts are completely shattered, her rudder is broken, and she is unable to control her position. The ship is in heavy seas, which however, are beginning to become less severe. Her radio is weak and her crew is suffering from cold and exposure to the water, which is menacing the vessel’s sodden hulk. Captain Fried experienced great difficulty in reaching the “Florida,” due to the lack of radio. The “America” will probably attempt a rescue at the first possible moment, but the discovery of the “Florida” is a further proof of Captain Fried’s exceptional skill as a mariner.

Another disabled ship the Dannedalex, has effected sufficient 'repairs to crawl slowly towards port. She is believed to he safe at present, hut she is being watched continually. The “President Harrison” and the “York” have left off their search for disabled ships, due to a lack of fuel.

The steamer Teesbridge which sent an S.O.S. message off the east coast of the United States last Sunday, stating that two hatches were stove in and the stokehold flooded, has nor been located by rescue ships. It is believed that the Teesbridge is lost. The crew numbered thirty.

GREAT RESCUE WORK. FLORIDA’S WHOLE CREW SAVED. NEW YORK, Jan. 24. Captain Fried has now radioed that he has rescued the Florida’s full crew of 32 men. He did so in an hour, at great risk, due to a whole gale and tremendous seas. His laconic message ended: “Lifeboat lost. Details later.” It is questionable bow lifeboats were able to survive in the great seas, but if any men have been lost with the lifeboat, it is evident that it would be rescuers, and at present it is unknown whether any loss of life has been sustained. Captain Fried named his chief officer. Mr Manning, as being in charge of the rescue, and it is evident that Mr Manning must have performed wonders of seamanship in such a pressure ol wind.

The Dannedalek is now apparently safe, and is proceeding slowly towards Bermuda.

VANCOUVER. January 24

It was Fried who in January, 1920. turned his ship, the President Roosevelt, to aid the sinking British liner Antinoe, holding the ship alongside two days, rescuing the crew and losing two of his own.

Twenty years ago another steamer named Florida, also an Italian, figured in the first sea tragedy in which a major part was played by wireless. .Jack Binns, the youthful operator stuck to his post on the White Star liner Republic until the Baltic had rescued all 'the passengers and the crews of the Republic and Florida, which had collided, while half a dozen other vessels were answering his call and were racing to their aid.