1.
L.V. Hull of "MIDGARD" showing above water.


2.
SV. Ditto.


3.
SCU.PAN. Part of deck above water.


4.
SCU. Bow of ship showing name "MIDGARD".


5.
SV. Driver going down to put dynamite charges in ship.


6.
SV. Explosion.


7.
LV. Explosion and part of hull above water.




Initials S-D WWS/VCW



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Dynamite was used to break-up a German vessel, "Midgar"--which was carrying coal from Holland to Guipuzcoa, North Spain-----when it sunk in the entrance of Pasajes harbour, near Guipuzcoa.

This 2,138 ton ship was moving in to the harbour when it went a ground in shallow water. Tugs came to its assistance and attempts were made to tow it away. Unfortunately several plates in the hull of the "Midgar" burst open and rapidly she began to fill.

After rescuing the crew the salvage workers pondered---sitting across the harbour entrance the sunken ship prevented other traffic from leaving or entering; there was only one course of action, that was to break up the ship where she sat.

Jose Angel Amiana, a Spanish, professional diver with about 20 years experience, was sent for. Time and time again he went into the wreck, stacking sticks of dynamite in strategic positions.

When Jose Angel had finished his part of the work all shipping and personnel were evacuated from the immediate vicinity of the "Midgar". Suddenly the water was whipped up, tongues of foam spat upwards and the "Midgar" floated to the surface, in pieces.