OFF THE COAST OF NORFOLK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 20, 3 November 1938, Page 5

OFF THE COAST OF NORFOLK.

SUPPOSED SPANISH AUXILIARY. MERCHANTMAN SET ON FIRE. SEVER All CASUALTIES RESULT.

(United Press Association —Copyright.) (Independent Cable Service.) (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) LONDON, November 2.

The British steamer Monkwood sent to the Admiralty a radio) message stating that an armed auxiliary, believed to be Spanish, was firing on a Spanish merchantman seven miles from Cromer light-ship, off the coast of Norfolk. The merchantman was on fire.

Gun-fire shook the windoAvs at Cromer and flashes were seen to seaward. Excited crorvds gathered on the cliffs. The merchantman’s name Avas given as Cartagena. The Monkwood’s radio stated that the auxiliary, by means of a flag signal, ordered the Cartagena to “heave-to, or I fire.” A lifeboat left Cromer for the sea, and other vessels later rushed to the merchantman’s aid. The Cartagena is not listed, but shippers believe she might be the Spanish vessel Cantabria, which left Gravesend yesterday for Immingham, en route to Leningrad. The harbourmaster at Immingham stated that a berth/was booked for the Cantabria in the evening, but there was no news her. The steamer Glensheil is reported to be standing by the Cantabria. A short-wave listeney states that he heard a report that 10 of the crew had been picked up.