LOSS OF PAPAROA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 10 April 1926, Page 9

LOSS OF PAPAROA.

FURTHER DETAILS OF DISASTER. By Cable—Pres« Association—Copyright. Australian and X'.Z. Cable Association. FREMANTLE, April 9. South African newspapers, containing details of the sinking of the steamer Paparoa, arrived here by tbe Devon, which was about 400 miles behind the Paparoa, when the mishap occurred

One of the crew of the.Paparoa, in a lengthy statement, says.— In order to investigate the seat ol the fire the chief officer and chief engineer descended one of the holds, but quickly returned, gasping for breath. All the lire appliances were brought into use, but shortly the interior of the. hold became a. mass of flame, terrific heat being generated. The water from tlie hoses had «•» eifeet on tho fire, which burst thiouglT the deck, and subsequently sprond to the bridge, which burned like matchwood The ship listed badly and watei poured into the stokehold. The fires were kept going with the greatest difficulty, especially when the bunkers caught alight. The ship’s company were cheered by tho news that the Bnrrabool was only 180 miles away, and a mighty checi went up when she appeared. Even then hope of getting the vessel to port was not abandoned. An effort was made to get the water out of tlic hold, which added to the difficulties of the men in the stokehold. Fumes from the burning ammonia pipes had to he contended with, and finally tho effort had to he given up and the firemen were withdrawn. AVlicn the Bnrrabool left the scene the hull of the I’aparon was sill) burning, hut the warship Birmingham was then in attendance.