COLLISION AT SEA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 13, 2 September 1914, Page 4

COLLISION AT SEA.

A novel device for minimising ill? effects of a collision at sea has just been patented. It is proposed that above the sharp, razor-like bows oi steamships, which, as many recent examples show, will rip up the side of another ship in collision. there shall be projecting braces to support a large tool roller, which would ensure that only a glancing blow would b < delivered unless, as most infrequent!.: happens, tho ship is struck at dead right angles. Captain F. Littlohales, the London agent of the Imperial Maritime Service Guild, states that his criticism of Mr Joseph Conrad’s suggestion on tho value of collision mats, published after the Empress of Ireland’s disaster, brought in about 500 letters to the guild, all containing ideas for minimising the risk of collision. Among them was that of the. roller, sent in by an old seafaring man. The seafarer explained that the idea had been given to him by another old sailor twenty years before, who was told there was no demand for such a. contrivance. Captain Littlehales advised his correspondent to patent the invention, and this has been done. Captain Littlehales pointed out that as a rule it was not tbc colliding vessel that suffered. She might have her hows crushed in by tho impact, and still he able to remain afloat. The provision of some apparatus on the bows of steamers to secure that any blow that might he struck should be a glancing blow would minimise tho danger to tho ship j that was struck, j