The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-09-08


supply Of oxygen was quickly ex-
hausted. Motorcycle police were
dispatched 70 all towns IN northern
New Jersey TO bring all oxygen they
could find.
The fire station was converted
into an emergency hospital, and as
fast as doctors examined and treat
cd the survivors, they we're taken TO
hospitals or 10 private homes here.
TOWnsfolk had opened their hearts
and homes to them 10 a man. Sup
plies Of clothing were piled up at the
station and given out 70 those who
needed them. Most OF them had
been routed from their cabins in
night clothing.
The Monarch Of Bermuda, carry
ing sixty-fve survivors, radioed that
IL had twelve -stretcher cases
aboard and urged that ambulances
be in readiness at New York City.
"a Bodies Washed Ashore
Members Of the Spring Lake res
cue squad said at least twenty-four
bodies had been washed ashore on
the incoming tide or had been
picked up dead in the water in the
general vicinity Of the town.
Although volunteer first aid
squads were formed in all surround
ing communities and their work
combined, they quickly found them
selves overtaxed. They sent out an
S o. S. for help.
The naval air station at Lake
hurst sent two ambulances with
plenty Of supplies.
At p. m. five army trucks. one
ambulance and two BUSES arrived
from IT. Monmouth, N. j.. loaded
with medical supplies, blankets and
surgical dressings.
Anthony Bujia, first assistant
chief engineer on the MORO Castle,
said that it looked as though the
boat had been set afire by human
hands or by lightning. He refused
to elaborate.
Frees Crew OF Blame
Buiia said no blame could be
attached to the crew for failure TO
rescue passengers. They wanted to
aid, he said, but we're prevented by
the wall of fire between their fore
castle sleeping quarters and the
passenger quarters.
Reuben and John Holden, is and
IA. respectively. sons Of Mr.. and
Mrs. r. A. Holden. were safe today
after leaping from the burning
Moro Castle in their lifebelts. The
family lives in Cincinnati.
The whereabouts OF their parents
was lot known Immediately.
Tire BOYS swan about in the water
for two hours before being rescued
separately. They we're reunited
here. The boys we're given first aid
treatment and said TO be in good
condition. They were taken to a
private home. understood 70 be that
Of a Mrs. Abrams.
Representatives of the Ward line
we're here, making every effort TO
impede newspaper men and prevent
them from talking to survivors.
There we're attempts. too. TO sup
press a story. originating with some
members Of the crew. that pressure
had failed in the hose lines early in
the vain fight against the fire.
These stories apparently found their
source in comments of the deck
watch and seemed to indicate that
IRE had hit first at the auxiliary
engine room in the bowels Of the
ship.
AT 2:i5 a. m. indianapolis time)
today. the wireless operator OF the
Moro Castle. homevard bound
from a vacation cruise. asked al
stations TO stand by for an emer-
gency."
At PIG a. m, he repeated the call
and the air was cleared OF all radio
traffic. Shortly before a. m, the
operator complained Of atmospheric
conditions. and said II was diff
cult 20 maintain contact with shore.
At 3 a. m. he sent out general
S. o. S. reporting that the ship
was ablaze. and that the fire was
directly beneath the radio room.
Within the next sixty minutes,
the freighter Andrea S. Luckenbaoh
the coastal steamer City Of Savan-
nah. the FurneSS liner Monarch Of
Bermuda, and life boats from New
Jersey stations we're on their way
TO the distressed vessel.
The radio operator Of the Morro
Castle reported his position as
twenty miles south Of Scotland
Light. The flames could be seen
from ASbury Park.
At 4:l3 a. m, the Luckenbach
radioed she was two and one-half
miles from the Moro Castle. and
steaming at full speed. Simultane-
ously, il was announced from coast
guard headquarters that the Tampa
and Cahoone were on their way 70
the indicated position.
At AIS a. m. the coast guard
station at Shark River inlet report
ed seeing the ship afire. AT 4:S0,
the coastal stations at Sandy Hook
and ManneSquan put motor life
boats into the water 70 go 10 the
rescue. AT a. m, the Monarch OF
Bermuda reported she was fifteen
miles from the burning vessel, and
proceeding al top speed.
At $40, the Luckenbach reached
the Moro Castle and dropped her
hook near the blazing liner, rapidly
lower her boat
At SIS the Luckenbach wirelesseo
she was picking up survivors"
Al $50. the CITY OF Savannah and
the President Cleveland arrived. al
most simultaneously. and lowered
their own life boats
AT $50. the coast guard reported
that surf boats sent out from the
New Jersey coat, presumably from
Mannesquan. had picked up thirty
passengers.