OVALAU DISASTER.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1038, 3 November 1903, Page 2

OVALAU DISASTER.

EXPLOSION FIRES ’AND SINKS THE VESSEL. ALL HANDS SAVED, BUT THREE FIREMEN INJURED* By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright „ , , Sydney, Nov. 2. News has been received of a disaster hnving befallen the missing steamer Ovaluu. An explosion occurred, which fired tho vessel, and she sank in the vicinity cf Lord Howo Isluud. All on board wore saved.

Threo firemen were injured. Messrs Burns, Philp, aud Co. have received the following message from Noumea :

" The steamer Pacifique has arrived, and Reports that the passongers and crow of tho stsamor Ovalau are safo on Lord Howe Island, where the vessel arrived on the 19th, with her forehold afire.” During the night an explosion occurred, and tho Ovalau sank early in tho morning of tho 20th. Tho Ovalau sank at the anchorage, and i 3 completely submerged.

It is boliovod the passengors are coming to Sydney by tho Pacifique. The Pacifique only stayed at Lord Howe Island sufficiently long to obtain a few details, as the atoamors Captain Cook and Ysabel arrived Ikoro with assistanco last night. Tho Ovalau’s cargo included 400 tons of copra. [Lord Howo Island is situate 500 miles, north-east of Sydney.]

THE INSURANCES. By To legrapn—Press Association—Copyright

Received 1.6 a.m„ Nov. 3. Sydney, Nov. 2. Tho stoamor Ovalau was insured for £13,000 in tho North Queensland Insurance Compauy, aud the cargo £4OOO in the United, and £2OOO in the North Queensland.