The Warrimoo on Fire.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7759, 10 March 1905, Page 3

The Warrimoo on Fire.

LARGE CARGO OF KEROSENE. VESSEL UNINJURED. (Received March 9, 4.51 p.m.) MELBOURNE, March 9. The s.s. Warrimoo was found to on fire at 10.80 last night, when eight miles oil Cape Schank. The chief officer reported to the captain that smoke was issuing- from (he ventilator of No. 2 forehold. The crew were immediately called t io quarters, and the boats swuno; out and provisioned. The lire was in the centre of the • fore compartment, adjacent to a large lot of kerosene. There were also 500 cases of kerosene and iiuphlhine stored on tile deck. Immediately the outhreak was located, water was liberally pumped on and the deck cargo jettisoned. At the end of an hour, as the lire seemed increased, the passengers were called up, first from the steerage and then from the cabin, .and assembled aft. .Not till then had they discovered that anything-' was wrong. There was not the slightest panic. The captain decided to return to • Melbourne, as there was danger of the kerosene being ignited and exploding. Jfe then sent up distress signals, which, were answered by _ a pilot stcaincr, just before the ■ tugs which were sent to the vessel's as-' sistance reached her. The fire was then overcome, and their help declined. The vessel reached the wharf without further incident. The tire originated amongst some bags of paper shavings, which were packed close to some bags of chaff. Examination showed that many of the cases of kerosene were reduced to charcoal ; (the solder was melted, but none of the oil ignited. The Fire Brigade met the steamer at the wharf. «ut was not required 1 .! The vessel has eight feel of water in the hold. It is believed the vessel is uninjured. After a survey -is made she may resume the .voyage to-night. FURTHER BEI'AILS. (Received March 10, 12.1 a.m.) MELBOURNE, March 10. The density of smoke prevented the chief officer's attempt to enter the Warrinioo's hold, but when the crew got to work with the ship's fire apiwratus the fire was soon got under. The fire brigades put the finishing loaches at the wharf with the chemical apparatus. The steamer then proceeded uu the river, where the damaged cargo was tinloaded. The survey is now proceeding, and the capjtaln hopes to resume the voyage at midnight. The fire was confined to No. 2 hold forward, immediately beneath the hatches, wherein was stored a general cargo and chad which was jettisoned, including 400 cases of benzine. Th< captain pays a high tribute to the splendid behaviour of the crew and passengers. While discharging the chief officer fell off the stage intc the water, but is no worse for his ducking.