16 DECEMBER 1911, Page 2

The P. and O. liner 'Delhi' went ashore in bad

weather near Cape Spartel, about ten miles from Tangier, early on Wednes- day morning. The situation of the liner becoming critical, as she was beached broadside on and was swept by heavy seas, aid was summoned by wireless telegraphy from Gibraltar, and several British warships and salvage steamers were hurriedly despatched. But the French cruiser 'Friant' was first on the scene and succeeded in safely bringing off a number of passengers, though, unhappily, three French blue- jackets were drowned. There was no panic in the 'Delhi,' and the Duke and Duchess of Fife, who, with their two daughters, were on board, refused to be taken off first. They were rescued by a boat from a British cruiser, but the boat sank before reaching the shore, and Princess Alexandra was nearly drowned. After undergoing great hardships with perfect fortitude they ultimately reached Tangier in safety. We are glad to see that the Prime Minister paid a. fitting tribute in the House on Thursday to the heroism of the French sailors who sacrificed their lives in the work of rescue.