BRAVE STEWARDESS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 272, 12 July 1932, Page 5

BRAVE STEWARDESS

(Press Assn.-

SACRIFICED HER LIFE

-r>y Telegraph — Copyright)

MELBOURNE, Monday. The Casino endeavoured to berth at Apolio Bay to land passengers and cargo, btit dropped heavily on the bottom and her plates were strained. The captain tried to run out to sea, but the ship was leaking badly, so he decided to beach her. The water swamped the engine-room, with the result that the Casino heeled over. As soon as danger was imminent lifebelts were donned, hut each' time a boat was launched it was swamped hy big seas. A woman and a girl who were passengers jumped overboard and eventually were driven ashore. Crowd on Shore Helpless As the ship foundered all but five including the captain and the cabin boy leapt into the sea. These five clung to the Casino for two hours. A crowd watched on the shore, but realised it was futile to launch a fishing boat in the boiling surf. Roekets were sent out, but failed to reach the steamer. The five on board finally attempted to launch a boat. They were capsized, and only one managed to reach shore. Captain Middleton was also dragged from the surf, but efforts to revive him failed. A Brave Stewardess A brave part was played by a stewardess, Mrs Gill. She put lifebelts on the woman and the girl passengers, hut had no time to don one herself before the Casino heeled over. She had been on the Casino 23 years. A son of Michael Foley was saved. Joan Grecr. age-r 12, was rescued by those on shore. Mrs Conberry wTas the only one to reach the beach unaided. Her husband, who was working on his farm directly ahove the bay, saw the ship go under. Jumping on a horse he dashed to the beach in time to see his wife crawling out of the water on her hands and knees. Thus far five bodies have been recovered.