STEAMER WRECKED

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1929, Page 5

STEAMER WRECKED

SEVEN LIVES LOST. (United Press Association.—By Electrio Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) LONDON. Nov. 26. Tn the height of yesterday’s gale, the steamer Molesy voyaging from Liverpool to Cardiff, sent out an 5.0.5., being driven on flic rocks outside of Milford Haven. She struck a few minut's later and the wireless was rendered useless. Tremendous seas broke over her all night, preventing rocket 'lines carrying and lifeboats providing aid, until eight in the morning, when thirty-one including Captain Huntley, * two wonvn and two stowaways were rescued. The chief wireless operator, third engine!' and five of the crew died of cxposurCor were washed overboard. The steamer is a total wreck.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. (Received this dnv at 10 a.m.' LONDON, Nov. 20. The Molosey’s survivors tell an cnic story of thq devotion to duty of the wireless operator, E. King, wlo sent: out appeals for assistance. As the 'steamer was driven ashore mountainous seas swept the vessel and they struck the wireless cabin on the top deck which rocked and started splitting. King continued calmly sending out mesages. He was actually again appealing for help when ft huge wave swept the cabin overboard with him inside. The Chief Officer’s wife, Mrs Stock, was washed overboard soon afterwards. The crew heroically refused to leave their posts and the survivors waited eighteen hours expecting .the vessel to break up any moment.