A SHIP ON FIRE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8877, 31 July 1907, Page 2

A SHIP ON FIRE.

At Wellington Wharf. Pm Press Association. Wellington, July 30. The watchmen on the wharves heard a loud explosion at 7.40 this evening and looking in the direction whence it came saw flames leaping up from the after hatchway of the ship Melville Island as high as the crochet of the yard. Pushing along with fire extinguishing apparatus they poured water into the hold and to a certain extent subdued the outbreak. The Fire Brigade was quickly on the scene and the hatchway was closed and battened down. The fire had reached the sails on the mizzen mast and a ihan had to be sent aloft with hand grenades to put it out. It is hoped that the fire below will be smothered. In the meantime brigadesmen are awaiting developments, being stationed on the wharf with the most powerful appliances at their disposal. The hull of the vessel, a big steel ship, is warm for 1 570- thirds of its length. The ' Melville Island had just completed the discharge of a cargo of creosote and was taking in ballast to-day prior to sailing for Newcastle. July 31. Insnr-e-; ,ii is being made tb-day of the ship Melville Island with a view to ascertaining the extent of dam? age caused by the explosion of creosote last night. The damage done to the’sails and mizzeu-mast of the vessel is considerable, the “mast being charred for nearly half of its total length, while the sails grp • burnt through in many places and scorched over their whole area.