STEERING GEAR BROKE DOWN Tank Steamer Rotterdam Steered by Hand for 2,300 Miles. The Dutch tank steamer Rotterdam, which arrived at Quarantine last night in ballast, steered the last 2,300 miles of her trip by the hand gear. Her steam steering engine broke down Dec. 12 in very heavy weather, and for a time she lay helpless in the trough of the sea with the water breaking over her from stem to stern. Part of the bridge was smashed, the companionway to the bridge was carried away, and one lifeboat was stove in.