Carnlough teenagerin dramatic rescueonboard oil tanker

Eighteen-year-old Patrick McCollam, from Cranny Avenue, became concerned when Ernest Harvey failed to return from below deck.

The tanker “Pass of the Dalveen” had been in port to discharge its cargo of fuel.

According to a report in the East Antrim Times, Ernest had been overcome by fumes and had collapsed.

When Patrick went below deck to look for him, he was also affected by the fumes and apparently he had been in danger of suffocation.

Fortunately, an employee of Esso Petroleum managed to raise the alarm. A team of firemen were alerted in case of an emergency.

Both sailors were taken to hospital but Ernest was dead on arrival.

The “Pass of Dulveen” was under the command of Captain J Kelly, from Carnlough. It was his last voyage with the tanker before he was due to take over command of the “Glencunie” which belonged to the Bulk Oil Company.

Patrick was discharged from hospital the following day and telephoned his parents to tell them he was safe.