HC Deb 15 February 1898 vol 53 c752
LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (York)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to give the House any further information as to the accident to Her Majestey's ship Victorious?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Right Hon. GEORGE J. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover Square

The Victorious appears to have been approaching Port Said with a strong wind and heavy sea on her beam, when she touched the ground. When the engines were moved astern she floated and anchored. Shortly afterwards her cable parted, and a second anchor was let go, and two hours later the second cable parted. Owing to a very strong current, the ship could not be turned under steam, and is now aground at a point about a mile to the eastward of the breakwater, where she lies quietly in 27 feet of water, which is approximately her own draught, apparently having sustained no damage. The House will understand that she is in no way blocking the Canal, and that it is outside Port Said that she has unfortunately gone aground.

House adjourned at 12.5.