File 50/1914 Pt 7 'Persian Gulf: lighting and buoying; erection of beacons on Henjam and other islands' [‎154v] (136/176)

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Sub-Enclosure No - 211 > dated Fao ’ tlie 14th A P ril 1913 *
1 of Serial From— Lieutenant G. H. Finnis, R. I. M., Commanding R.I.M.S. “ Lawrence”,
No 57
To—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
I regret to report that this morning at about 8-10 a.m. whilst charging the outer
bar light buoy, an explosion occurred by which 1st class Stoker Shaikh Muhammad
was seriously burnt. Lieutenant Lane, Assistant Engineer Beggs and Gunner
Williams who were at the ship’s side, placing the carbide into the canvas chute
were knocked down and thrown amidships by the force of the explosion.
On hearing the explosion, I went on deck and took charge. Seeing that flames
to the height of 10 feet were coming out of the buoy, I had the buoy dropped astern
and sand thrown on to smother the flames.
We allowed it to burn out, a minor explosion took place when just astern, so
I would not allow anyone to approach it till after 10 a.m. for safety.
On examination we found that the carbide inside the generator was perfectly
untouched, 14| cases were packed before the explosion took place.
On seeing this I would not allow the other 6 carbide capes to be packed in, as
it is nearly certain, the explosion was caused by the crude oil supplied to us by the
Anglo-Persian Oil Company for soaking the carbide in, before charging.
The explosion I am of opinion was caused by a small quantity of gas generated
in the chute and this was ignited by a spark caused by the falling carbide.
I beg to point out that in the book of instructions on the management of gas
buoys in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , 1912, paragraph 35, page 10, it is distmctly laid down
that buoys are not to be recharged whilst in the water.
Gas must have generated in the buoy, though in a very small quantity, other
wise the explosion could not have taken place.
I saw the oil used for treating the carbide tested at the Abadan Laboratory and
it flashed at 175° which is considered perfectly safe.
I tried the buoy and found it as far as I can judge to be in working order, only
damage being done 8 wooden slots and the canvas chute burnt.
I have fitted new slots and the canvas chute can be made on board.
I consider that we have been exceptionally fortunate in the fact that the above
officers were not seriously injured or killed.
Copies of the evidence of Board of Enquiry on the accident are forwarded.
Bated Fao, the 14th April 1913.
From— Lieutenant P. C. Lane, R. I. M.
To—The Officer Commanding R.I.M.S. “ Lawrence.”
I have the honour to report that this morning, having been working on the gas
buoy since 5-30 a.m. and all being ready for charging same at 7-30 a.m., I was
helping Second Engineer Beggs at this work, when buoy was nearly charged, an
explosion occurred which came straight up the chute knocking myself and Mr.
Beggs the other side of the deck, the man on the buoy was knocked down and badly
burnt, would probably have been burnt to death but for the pluck and presence of
mind of Tindal Non-European boatswain or head of a group of labourers. of Stokers 2nd Class, Sheikh Mohidin, who jumped on to the buoy
and dragged the man out of the cage, put him in the water and held him till a boat
came. Previous to this, I had given orders that no smoking was to be done
or matches used near forecastle head, fore flat or crews’ quarters till gas buoy
had been dropped astern. The officer of the day went rounds a few minutes before
the explosion occurred and all ports were shut, on starboard side forward.
My opinion on the explosion is, we had been given oil of a low flashing point
and not the same as last time. This oil is being tested.
Every precaution was taken during the filling of this buoy.
Sub-Enciosuse
2 of Serial
No. 57.