RESCUE BY SHIP

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 69, 2 January 1941, Page 5

RESCUE BY SHIP

OF RAIDER.

FIVE HUNDRED IN THE PACIFIC.

LOSS OF 17 LIVES REPORTED.

TURAKINA PUTS UP GOOD FIGHT.

FEARED ONLY 23 SURVIVORS

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, January 1

The safety of a large number of persons from ships recently intercepted by an enemy raider off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia has been announced by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser). ,

“I have pleasure in announcing that a ship from Australia has rescued 500 persons who were landed on December 21 from an enemy commerce raider on the small island of Emirau,' in the Bismarck group, north of New Guinea,” said Mr Fraser. #

“Information is still incomplete, but it js believed that survivors from the Turakina, the. Notou, and the Ringwood, and possibly certain service personnel from other vessels, are still on board the raider, and no. news of the landing of these people has yet been received. It is reported, although confirmation is still awaited, that there are only 23 survivors from tfto' Turakiiia,' which is stated to have fought the raider for 2-J hours. . ; " VUj “The rescued people arc of British, French and Norwegian nationality, and include 70 women and seven children. They are from the passengers and crews of the following ships: Komata, Rangitane, Holmwood, Triona, Vinni, Triaster and Triadic. The next-of-kin of those belonging to New Zealand are being informed by telegram as definite information comes to liaiid. Casualties Announced. “I very much regret that there wore some casualties on these ships, and the following arc reported to have lost their lives: ■H l ' ■Rangitanc—Passengers: Miss Scott, Miss Beeston, Mrs Davies, Miss Her-bert-Jones, and Messrs Tocker and Dixon (whose parents'live in Wellington). All the above-named were returning to the United Kingdom after acting as escorts to British children sent to Australia. Crew: Me'ssrs W. " Moore, jV Strickfuss, .3. H. Strickfuss and' Miss Skinner (stewardess). Tn addition, Mrs Costella,. a’ .stewardess, is missing and believed dead.

Komata—Messrs T. A. Mack (chief officer), and J. L. Hughes (second officer), both of New Zealand.

Triadic—One Filipino member of the crew! •' . ’ .. ■. '<

Triona—Four Filipinos of the crew!

“ I should like to express my sincere sympathy, which will, I am sure, be shared by all in New Zealand, with relatives of -these unfortunate people. There is every reason to believe that this is a full list of the casualties on; the Rangitane, the Komata, the Triadic and the Triona, and that there were no casualties on the’ Holmwood, Vinni , or Triaster, hut as detailed information cames to hand those of the next-of-kin wlio are in New Zealand will be informed as soon as possible by telegraph.’’ Messfcge of Greeting. Mr Fraser has sent through the New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Sydney the following message to the New Zealanders rescued from the island of Ernirau:—>

“The whole of New Zealand joins with me in welcoming your safe arrival, and in congratulating you on your escape. We look forward to greeting you on your return to your own land, and trust that the arrangements we are endeavouring to make for your comfort will be adequate.”Sir Fraser also sent the following message to the Rev. Father Kelly: “I extend to you and all members of the escort party warm good wishes on your safe arrival. All in New Zealand join with you in sorrow for those who have been lost.” . . . Mr Fraser has asked the Trade Commissioner to convey to all the other survivors good wishes and congratulations from the people of New Zeaf land.

THE SUNKEN VESSELS. The New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamer Turakina, 9691 tons, was shelled in, the Tasman Sea on August 20. The Notou, a French vessel of 2489 tons, was reported on September 3 as being overdue. The New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamer Rangitane, of 16.712 tons, was reported on November 27 as having been shelled! 400' miles east of New Zealand. The Holmwood, formerly the Tees, was reported overdue on November 30:, The Vinni, 5131 tons, and Ringwood, 7203,. were Norwegian vessels. „ b The Komata was a. Union Steam Ship Company’s vessel, of 3900 tons. The Triona, Triaster and Triadic were o>\\ 4 ned by the British Phosphate , Commission, carrying fertiliser in bulk from Nauru to Australia and New Zealand.