COLLISION AT SEA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2409, 26 January 1909, Page 5

COLLISION AT SEA.

WHITE STAR LINER SUNK. ALL HANDS SAVED. United Press Association. Copyright NEW YORK, Jan. 24. The White Star liner Republic collided kith an unknown vessel in a dense fog off Nantucket, the Republic sinking. All were saved. There were 250 first-class passengers, 21 steerage, ■and 300 of -a.crew aboard the Republic, which was starting a winter excursion to the Mediterranean. Her cargo included 500 tons of supplies for the American fleet to replace the supplies sent to Messina.

THE USE OF WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. A BRAVE" CAPTAIN. (Received Jan. zo, 10 p.m.) ** NEW YORK, Jan. 25. The steamer Florida, with 800 Italian immigrants, completing the voyage to New York, was the vessel which collided with the Republic. She crashed into the latter’s side abreast- of the engine room. Two of the Republic’s and four of tho Florida’s passengers were killed. In response to the Republic’s ethergram’s numerous liners, including the White Star steamer Baltic arrived. The Republic’s passengers, who-were already aboard the Florida,were transferred to the Baltic, together with the emigrants, and the Florida, which was badly damaged, was conveyed to port under her own steam.

Captain Ramson, of the Baltic, went in search of, and found the Republic apparently in good towing condition. The Republic’s captain, Selby, and the crew had stood by tlie vessel in open boats, determined not to abandon her as long as she was afloat. Captain Selby and 50. men boarded the Republic after the Baltic’s arrival, and made preparations for towing, but she foundered. Nobody was aboard when she sank.

(Received Jam 25, 11.30 p.m.) Captain Selby’s courage and coolness throughout arc highly praised. He personally directed the ethergraphs equally with the work of transferring the- passengers and earing for the ship and crew.