THE NAVAL DISASTER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4462, 5 July 1893, Page 3

THE NAVAL DISASTER.

WfaggQUtotintiofthe Victoria's Officers. London, July 8, Captain the Hon, Maurice Bourke roporis that H.M.B. Victoria was going full speed astern at the lime of the collision, Admiral Tryon sent him below to seo if tho watertight doors were closed, Ho found them all closed and the men at tlioir BiaHonjU .'fheconduot and stendinoia of alj£Brew, lie states, are beyond piflpand there was no sign of panic, Hoimself was sucked down, but rose with the wreckage and was rescued by ono of H.M.S. Nile's boals. Lieutenant il. L. Heath stiles tlmt seeing the oollision imminent, be ordered the closing of tho watertight doors and the collision mats or.t. They tried to pUco tho mats, but found it impossible, as tho ship so'.tled down by the bows. Flag-lieutenant Guilford states that after the collision, tho Victoria's engines were put at half Bpeed, but a minute later the steering gear broke down. Btaff-commander Hawkins Smith was twice sucked under, but supported himself on oars. Admiral Tryon was specially informed that the order was flying tn keep six lengths apart, and ho replied " Let it remain."

. Rear-Admiral Markbam, who was on tho Camperdown, hesitated, and HhA|p'Victoria signalled to him by HpWmaphore, " Wlmt are you doing ?" Admiral Tryon afterwards came on deck, personally giving an order for the fatal turning movement. After the turning began, tho Victoria and Camperdown, both seeing the danger, each reverted one screw, and narrowed the circle. The Camperdown had her doors closed and was prepared for th& collision.

Admiral Markham's official report confirms the accounts already published of the effect of the order to reverso positions, He states that when he saw that a collision was mevitatlo he ordered " Full speed astern," but before tho ship's way could be checked she struck the Victoria at Hn angle of 80 degrees, and crashed into her almost to the centre-line, There was only a light breeze, and the sea was smooth. TheCamperdown's stem was broken and there was a hole in her port bow, six feet by ten, It is reported that Admiral Tryon had been on the flick list for several days, and had only returned to duty on the morning of tbe disaster, The press blames Admiral Tryon 'for the oat»strophe, but says there was some excuse on account of bis illness,