GIRLS’ ORDEAL

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20267, 9 August 1937, Page 9

GIRLS’ ORDEAL

DRAMA OF THE SEA. STEAMERB IN COLLISION. TWO HAVE LEGS AMPUTATED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received August 9, 11 a.m.) LONDON, August 8. Four girls were jammed at the head of the saloon when tlie cross-Channel steamer Princess Marie Jose, with 750 excursionists from Dover, collided with the Clan Macneil off Dunkirk. The girls bravely bore their ordeal for three-quarters of an hour before they were extricated from the wreckage by seamen with crowbars. They were sent ashore first in a tug which came alongside, and then were sent to hospital at Dunkirk, where two had their right legs amputated below the knee. The third sustained a fractured leg, foot and arm, and the fourth suffered abrasions. Many other passengers were shaken and bruised. The injured girls were sleeping when the collision occurred, and were washed from their beds by the inrushing water. They lost all their possessions. Panlo Among Passenger*. The Clan Macneil struck the Marie Jose amidships in a slight fog, and smashed her sides below the water line. The sea rushed in, causing a temporary panic among the passengers. The Clan Macneil went full speed ahead, pushing tlie Marie Jose aground instead of allowing her to sink.