SEAPLANE DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1929, Page 5

SEAPLANE DISASTER

TUG CAPTAIN’S REPORT. [United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] ROME, October 28. The British United Press interviewed the captain of the Pamiglia, who stated a terrific sea made it impossible to approach closer .than ten yards. .Bis own situation was dangerous. The ship was on the point of capsizing. Furthermore, a hundred empty .-"wine bottles on the deck had come adrift and rolled about the deck endangering the li: es of the men. The noise of the wind and waves was so great that they could not hear voices from the seaplane. It was thought the three men orPthe wings had'been the full complement. One tow line was new and with it towing was continued for fifteen minutes, when the seaplane broke adrift. “1 believe that the towline broke owing to the fact that the seaplane had-Sprung a leak and was waterlogged. We searched in the darkness for hours but there was no sign of anybody" or anything. When we returned aboard the destroyer the liner was gone.” Italian experts believe one engine failed and the seaplane headed for land but was unable to make progress with her two remaining engines and was forced down in the sea. LONDON PRESS CRITICISM. ' LONDON, October, 27. Information on the air mail disaster renders it difficult to appraise the circumstances. One or two reports Suggest that attempts Were made to take off occupants by the crew 'of the Italian tug Familia, but these fpiled owing , to the fury of the waves. Others assert the seaplane was still outriding, the gale when it came adrift. The .captain,, as cabled, declared that the liner vanished when it came adrift, and then' they searched fruitlessly for hours.

Advices from India state that the disaster, coining closely on top of the recent Jask smash, has caused misgivings as to the safety of the Indian air Service, and consternation among business men. The Loudon press Is asking why the Familia, after the liner came adrift, abandoned her, why the occupa.n\s were not takeji aboard and why three hours elapsed/ between the arrival of the Familia at Spezia, and the despatch. of then destroyer. It is agreed that the only satisfactory feature of the tragedy is the behaviour, of the flying boat which was the best of its kind, in a tempestuous sea. The passenger’s body found is that of Charles' Ritchie.