FIRE AT SEA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2635, 18 October 1909, Page 5

FIRE AT SEA.

OUTBREAK ON THE SURREY. .EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO CARGO. •United Press Association—Copyright, MELBOURNE, October 16. The steamer Surrey, from Sydney, en route to London, reported that early on Thursday morning a fire was discovered in the lower starboard coal bunker. Boatswain Christiansen and seaman .Neilson descended to locate the outbreak, but were overcome by the fumes. The chief officer and second engineer went to their assistance. The latter was overcome. The chief officer repeated liis efforts and 1 succeeded in reaching Christiansen and Neilson, but all efforts to restore annimation failed. 'The second engineer regained consciousness. It was thought that the fire had been put out, but after the steamer luid reached the wharf smoke was noticed to he issuing from No. 3 hold. The crew descended, but the dense smoke drove them back after several had been overcome by . the fumes. The hatches .were then battened down and holes cut in the deck. W T ater was jjoured in, but the fire: still gained. Eventually the fire brigade were summoned and the outbreak was got under control late last night. The steamer lies with a strong list to port, apparently resting on a sand hank. . The extent of the damage is unknown, but it must he serious. The cargo consists of Queensland frozen meat and rabbits, which will he removed. The supposition is that the Surrey fire was caused by the beat from the bunkers igniting the refrigerating insulation. It is reported a fire occurred in the bunkers before tlie steamer left Sydney, but it was thought to have been thoroughly quenched.

Lloyd’s surveyor reports that . the steamer has not -been much damaged, but the destruction of the cargo by fire and water will probably be serious. THE FIRE GOT UNDER. (Received October IS, 1.5 a.m.) MELBOURNE, October 17. The quenching of the Surrey fire was •delayed by a .plug in a bulkhead blowing out, allowing the water to flood the ' engine-room. While it was being refixed the fire regained strength, and was not got under until early this morning. The damaged cargo includes ; a quantity of wool.