ST. LAWRENCE DISASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1254, 4 June 1914, Page 2

ST. LAWRENCE DISASTER.

FINAL TOLL OF THE VICTINS. Quebec, June 3. The final official figures are:— Lost 1024 Saved ... ... 432 Montreal, June 3. The incoming steamer Megantic held a requiem service over the spot where the Empress of Ireland sank. The passengers and crew were lined up on the decks, and sang the hymn, “Abide With Me,” standing with bared heads. It was an impressive spectacle. COURT OF INQUIRY. PERSONNEL ANNOUNCED. Montreal, June 2. The Canadian Government has appointed Sir Adolph Routhier (President of the Court of Admiralty for the Province of Quebec) and the Hon. Ezekiel M’Leod (a Judge of the Supreme Court and a Judge of the ViceAdmiralty Court of New Brunswick), and the British Board of Trade has appointed Mr George Vaux to compose the Commission to inquire regarding the loss of the Empress of Ireland. London, June 2, Lord Mersey, ex-President of the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice, and who was the Commissioner appointed to enquire into the wreck of the Titanic, will represent Britain at the Empress of Ireland inquiry. THE AGENTS’ STORY. Montreal, June 2. The agents of the Storstad state that the Empress was seen off the port bow of the Storstad, a green light being visible. The rules of navigation gave the Storstad right of way. The Empress’s course was changed so as to pass safely. The fog descended, and the Storstad’s engines were slowed and then stopped. Her course was not altered. Whistles heard from the Empress were answered, and gleeu lights were again seen through the fog. The engines of the Storstad were sent astern, and wav was nearly checked when the vessels collided. The Storstad tried to keep her prow in the hole, but the Empress slewed away and disappeared. The Storstad frequently whistled in order to locate the Empress, but failed. Then she manoeuvred and came close to the Empress, lowered the boats, and everything possible was done to assist.

The officers of the Storstad confirm the agents’ statement, and declare that score? of people in lifebelts were lying dead in the sea. The freezing water benumbed them.