WRECK OF THE PERICLES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 355, 5 April 1910, Page 5

WRECK OF THE PERICLES

CAUSE OF THE DISASTER. NO PROSPECT OF SALVAGE. By CaWs.—Prow Assoeiation.—Copyright Fremantle, April 4. The Pericles' passengers all speak in high terms of praise of the resourcefulness and forethought of Captain Simpson and the ollicers u crew. Immediately after sir:kiu = soundings were taken and the UiiiUiead doors closed. The pumps were started, signals of listress hoisted, and preparations made for getting out the boats. The captain's orders were promptly obeyed, and there was no confusion and no panic. Captain Simpson, in a further interview, says the Pericles was steaming at a speed of about 14 knots. The weather was fine, but there was a fairly heavy swell. 'He and the second mate were on the 'bridge taking the ship's bearings. Everything seemed absolutely normal and correct. According to the chart thev should 'have been in perfectly safe water, and they were following the same route he had taken for years. They felt one violent shock. That was all. He thinks the ship struck a knob of rock, and the force of the impact carried it away, otherwise they would have felt further shocks, but they did not strike aft. The steamer continued to travel ahead. Although the bulkheads were closed immediately and the pumps started, it availed nothing to stop the inrush of water. A steamer passed not far away, but failed to notice the signals of distress. Everybody behaved splendidly, and the maxim "women and children first" was studiously respected. Everything went off as smoothly as clockwork. He could not too highly praise the women for their pluck and conduct generally.

About thirty of the Pericles' passengers are returning to their homes m preference to completing the voyage to England. The wreck lies in about 25 fathoms of water. There is little prospect of salvage.