LOSS OF SILTON HALL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1929, Page 5

LOSS OF SILTON HALL

THE CREW’S EXPERIENCES. (Australian Press Association). (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.)

MELBOURNE, Oct. 9. The crew of the Silton Hall have reached here. They told a graphic story of their experiences. They said when they took to the boats m midocean the Silton Hall was a mass of flames and a series of violent explosions in the lioids shooit the vessel from stem to stern. The heat was so terrific that the steel decking plates were buckled and hoses were burned. A heavy swell made the task of launching the life boats extremely difficult. Jn heavy rain and wind the boats became separated during the night and were adrift for 48 hours. The discomfort was intense. A gas explosion in No. 3 hold blew the hatch-way high into the air and flames shot up towards the bridge. The water services were dislocated. The men added that all hope of extinguishing the fire was lost. By the time they cleared the Silton Hall she was an awe inspiring sight. From the deck to the sea level on the lee side the vessel was red hot and explosions were occurring intermittently. After nearly two days the men were picked up by the Anthea. The Silton Hall was left behind a hopeless wreck and was still burning.