The Naval Collision.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3751, 7 April 1908, Page 3

The Naval Collision.

London, April 5. The night was dark and the sea choppy, while a drizzling rain was falling when the cruiser Berwick collided with the torpedo boat destroyer. The Berwick was steaming fast and the Tiger was doing 25 knots. Experts suggest that the Tiger's helm became jammed, causing the collision.

The fore end of the Tiger tilted up almost perpendicularly and carried Lieutenant Middleton, the commander, and most of the deck hands straight away to the bottom, but the aft half was afloat for three minutes, enabling those on board to grasp spars and bits of wreckage. Fifteen of the rescued belonged to the engine-room department. The Recruit and Tiger were hunting together, and the Tiger launched a torpedo against the St. George. Then she steamed abeam of the Berwick to launch another, but she mysteriously swerved across the Berwick's bows. The engineer, Vinning, jumped aside to escape the Berwick's prow, and shouted down the tube to shut off Bteam and for all hands to escape. The water was already pouring in upon the engine plates. The Tiger was cut through like an eggshell. Splendid discipline prevailed. Vinning was amongst those who escaped.