SENSATIONAL FIRE.

Shannon News, 8 September 1925, Page 4

SENSATIONAL FIRE.

LAUNCH DESTROYED. The launch Nelbay, returning to Townsville, Queensland, recently with a party that had just salvaged the cargo of the wrecked lugger Danton on a reef near the Percy Islands, was destroyed by fire under sensational circumstances. All aboard got safe y away. All went well till within sight of Townsville when the Nelbay suddenly burst into flames. A course was Immediately set for Cape Cleveland, with smoke pouring from the launch. ' The engine soon stopped, aild when | the efforts to extinguish the fire failjed those aboard took to the dinghies, I leaving the launch a mass of flames. | The disaster was seen from Cape j Cleveland signal station, and the pilot j launch was sent out to pick up those jin the dinghies. It is believed the I fire broke out in the Nelbay’s bilges, j.She Avas insured for £2500. She sank iin comparatively shallow water, the J top of her masts being visible at low j tide.