DISASTER ON THE LIBERTE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10434, 27 September 1911, Page 3

DISASTER ON THE LIBERTE.

(Received September 26, 8.5 a.m.)

LONDON, September 25. The disaster on the Liberie occurred at Toulon.

It was-due to neglect to flood the Ammunition hold after the outbreak of-fire, which at first was not regarded as serious.

The bulk of the crew were asleep when the first explosion occurred, and, awakened by t)he report, went to their stations.

Then the fire gained, and reached the fore ammunition hold. An explosion, followed, and a hundred men who were on deck jumped overboard. - - .■•■..■'■'..'.■■.' ' The rest of the crew were awakened, and rushed on deck. They were about to jump overboard, hut were ordered to their stationsFour explosions followed in quiok succession. The vessel forward was wrapped in sheets of flame, which were, rising to a considerable height. With the fifth explosion the vessel sank like a stone. When the smoke cleared, a part of the hull was seen still above water, surrounded by a tangled mass of spars and wreckage. Assistance from other warships was promptly sent. Commander Jaures (a brother of the Socialist leader) was absent on furlough, and Captain Joubert was in command. When, the disaster occurred, the smoke from the burning battleship enveloped the roadstead. About. 350 are missing from the

Liberte, and 100, including men from other ships and rescuers, were also lost * , . ~ A large hole was made in the battleship Republique by flying debris, and sine also lost fifty men. The Democratic and Verite were also badly damaged, losing twenty killed and fifty wounded. The Republique was hurriedly docked.