STEAMER CHARGES A BREAKWATER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81905, 18 December 1906, Page 4

STEAMER CHARGES A BREAKWATER.

EXTRAORDINARY INCIDENT., London, October 22. The Swedish steamer Olaus Olsson, entering Dover harbor at midnight on Saturday, crashed ! roadside on into the southern breakwater works. The noise of the collision was heard all over Dover town. The heavy piles of the breakwater for a length of 200 ft were broken, and two of the huge "goliath" cranes, weighing 400 tons each, fell across the decks. The steamer's flpper} works and funnel were crushed fiat to the deck, her foremast was carried away, and other serious injury was done to her. Rockets were fired, the lifeboat was launched, and the Red Star liner Finland set her syren going to summon assistance. Steaming up to the wrecked vessel, the Finland displayed the whole of her electric lights to render easier the work of rescue. With some difficulty, the crew and passengers of the Swedish boat were got off. Several women fainted from terror and could not be revived until they bad been placed on shore.. Fortunately no serious injuries were received. . ■The damage to the steamer and to the harbour works and machinery is estimated at not less than £40,000. Had she any cargo other than timber, the vessel must have sunk immediately after the collision.