Contributed by Jane Campbell
Liverpool Echo Feb 8th 1908
Built 1904 by Messers ARMSTRONG WHITWORTH & CO LTD Newcastle-on-Tyne, Messers RANKIN GILMOUR & CO, 57. South John St Liverpool 5,000 Tons belonging to British and Foreign Steamship Co of Liverpool The Steamer CYMRIO assisted and took off 35 crew, 15 of the crew had perished when the lifeboat capsized by being dashed against the side of the ship when putting off.
Calculating that the ship would burn for 12hrs the CYMRIO Crew took out the plugs of the vessel to sink it as it was lying in the track of navigation.
An explosion had occured in the forehold, wrecking the engines and injuring a number of the crew, and several stowaways whose escape was cut off perished.
By ample use of oil the lifeboat successfully made three trips taking off survivors. The Capt was the last to go badly burning his feet owing to the heat of the deck.
Left ANTWERP for NEW YORK Jan 19th 1908.
Capt LEWIS reports that, WHITE, BROPHY, KARLSEN, ANDRIEN, VERMEHELM, DEFREITAR, STEIG, MULLER, MANTON, HEREBOUT, VOORBROCK, VAN. PRYUBROCK and KRONFELDT are lost.
Saved 16 stowaways and JACKSON Cattleman
Capt LEWIS and JOUBERT sailor progressing well
British Officers saved, W. B. WHITE, DARLINGTON, Apprentice W. T.
BROPHY, WATERFORD, Capt J. LEWIS of Belfast, Chief Officer S. H. HOBBS
of Birkenhead, Second Officer B. J. TWOHY of Woolton
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