by magoonigal » Thu Nov 14, 2013 12:39 am
By this time, owing to the combustable nature of the cargo, the fire had spread considerably and it was feared that the only way to save the ship would be to scuttle her. This extream measure proved unnecessary as the morning progressed as by use of numerous jets, the efforts of the firefighters began to show signs of success. The heat was so extreme that it actually caused the foredeck near the port bunker to buckle. Flooding in the vessel's fore hold had caused her to become very low in the water but the fire had been prevented from spreading to the after holds, Nos 3 and 4, thereby saving the cargo contained there. At noon, although the fire was still raging in the 'tween deck bunkers and under the chartroom, it was slowly being extinguished.
Soon afterwards, the Borough Brigade left the scene, followed by the FIRE KING, leaving only the FIRE QUEEN in attendance. The fire was by then completely under control and practically extinguished, with the bales only smouldering in places.
At the height of the operation, one jet from the horse-drawn steamer, one R.W.C. hydrant jet, two jets from the FIRE QUEEN and six from the FIRE KING had been deployed. Firefighters had been present for over eight hours and damage in excess of £1,000 had been caused.
Sentinels of the Wear by Neil W Mearns.
A History of Sunderlands River Police and Fireboats.
Although I should imagine the story was from the local paper and in the public domain.
Paul Hood. + WSS Tyneside Branch Hon Sec.