Blown Up In Apia 20 Years Ago
p. 31 · Read in the full issue
Memory Of The Carnegie
IT will be 20 years next month since the famous yacht, “Carnegie,” engaged in research work, was blown up in Apia lagoon; the officer in charge, Commander Ault, was killed. The vessel was loading petrol, and the fumes somehow became ignited. Commander Ault, who was read ing on the deck nearby, was blown from his chair into the water, and fatally injured. Fire destroyed the yacht.
The “Carnegie” was launched in 1908, to continue the research work of the “Galilee.” She was known as the non magnetic vessel, and was owned by the Carnegie Institute. The purpose of these vessels was to make a magnetic survey of the Pacific Ocean. As a result, many charts were corrected, and many depths accurately ascertained.
Mr. Oscar Nordman, of Papeete, served aboard both the “Galilee” and the “Car negie” and a fine water-colour painting of the ship signed by Commander Ault and his officers, given to Mr. Nordman before the “Carnegie” sailed on her last voyage, is among his treasured posses sions.