WRECK COSTS 40 LIVES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 788, 8 October 1929, Page 1

WRECK COSTS 40 LIVES

Steamer Turns Turtle ON ROCKS IN FURIOUS STORM Story of Tragedy and Heroism ( u ntted. Service) a.m. OSLO, Monday. URING a furious storm, on Sunday, the coastal steamer Haakon VII., travelling 1 at 12 knots, was speedily sunk at Floroe, owing to her crashing violently on a rock. About 40 of the passengers and crew were drowned and 69 were saved.

The ship's master, Captain Michael Stroem, who was beside the pilot on the bridge, was flung into the sea when the steamer struck. The captain struggled on to the rock, from which he was rescued. The survivors relate that it was a pitch-dark night. Many were in bed. The electric light failed. Numbers of passengers in their night attire rushed on deck to find the steamer turning turtle. There was no panic, despite the fact that only the bow was soon above the water, crowded by the passengers who had not thrown themselves into the waves, whence some reached the shore, scrambling with torn hands and feet along an adjacent reef. Among the heroes was a Bergen business man, Daniel Muun, who despite an injury, rushed below, smashed open the saloon door and dragged out seven people. Fifty persons took refuge on a small rack, whence they were gallantly rescued, despite great peril, by the Norwegian steamer San Lucar.

Twelve third-class passengers who were trapped in their cabins were also saved. The steamer Arnsinn Jarl, belonging to the same line, grounded half a mile from the Haakon VII half an ' hour later, without loss of life. GERMAN SHIP AGROUND WENT TO AID STRANDED HOCHST NOW IN GRAVE DANGER Australian and X.Z. Press Association Reed. noon. COLOMBO, Monday. The steamer Lauterfels went to Minicoy Island to assist the stranded German steamer Hochst, and herself grounded on the reef. She is now in grave danger. An attempt to tow her off failed.