WRECKS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1930, Page 5

WRECKS

BELGIAN STEAMER ON ROCKS

(Official Wireless.)

(Received this day at 11 a.m..

RUGBY, September 23.

The Antwerp steamship “Ida” of o(XJ tons went ashore near Prawle Point, •South Devon in a fog late last night. •Plymouth and Torbado lifeboats answered her distress call, but before they reached her she. went on the rocks almost directly under the cliff on which stands the coastguard station. The fir,St shot of the rocket apparatus line from the coastguards was successful and the Belgian crew of 12 were safely brought up the cliffs by a breeches buoy;

LINER STRIKES ROCK

NORTH OF ABERDEEN

RUGBY, September 23

Early this morning in a dense fog the 6,600 tons liner “City of Osaka” struck a submerged reef about 15 miles north of Aberdeen, one of the most) treacherous parts of the Scottish coast. 'She was : bound for New York 'from Newcastle.,

Wireless messages brought prompt response from the destroyer “Walker” which was engaged in autumn exercises with the fifth flotilla of the Atlantic. Fleet, and which raced, to the assistance of the disabled vessel. .Lifeboats were soon in attendance,, but as the “City off Osaka” was firmly wedged on the rock with her bow well down in the water, and with rocks all round, it was unsafe for the lifeboats to attempt to rescue the crew.

~ Meanwhile the distress messages had brought a lifesaving corps to the spot from the cliffs 200 feet high. By means of a breeches buoy about 60 Lascars and Japanese members of the crew were brought ashore. The captain and officers with a white member of the crew remained aboard to conduct pumping operations. Throughout the rescue work complete calm prevailed among the crew. ' ‘-The latest wireless messagge from the wrecked vessel states the weather is clearing and the sea is moderating.

ALL TAKEN OF.

LONDON, September 23

A later message states the vessel de’eloped.a sharp list. The Captain and officers Were taken off in a lifeboat.