British protected cruiser HMS Wallaroo harrassed by boiler problems according to the Dutch newspaper Arnhemsche courant dated 7 January 1904

HMS Pearl

An item dated Sydney, Australia 7th reported that her boilers exploded causing the death of 43 crew members. She was underway towards Hobart and signalled Montague Island, 230 miles south of Sydney. She returned back to Sydney expected to arrive tomorrow. The newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad dated 8^th reported her arrival on the 8^th at Sydney and that the earlier signals were misunderstood, There were 4 dead and 3 wounded.(1)

Note

1. Part of the Pearl-class 3rd class/protected cruisers consisting of the Pearl, Pandora, Pallas, Pelorus, Persian, Philomel, Phoebe, Phoenix and Psyche, preceded by the Barham-class and succeeded by the Apollo-class. Designed by Sir William White (2 February 1845 Plymouth, Devon, England-27 February 1913 London, England). Laid down by Armstrong Whitworth, Elswick, Tyne and Wear, England as Persian on 15 August 1888, launched on 5 February 1890, renamed Wallaroo as part of the Auxiliary Squadron of the Australia Station on 2 April 1890, completed on 27 January 1891, reserve between 1891-1894, departed the Australia Station on 11 January 1906, added to the HMS Indus at Devonport as training ship for mechanics, guard ship at Chatham, England since November 1914, renamed Wallington in March 1919 and sold as the Wallaroo to G.Sharpe to be broken up in February 1920