JAPANESE NAVAL DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 222, 16 September 1905, Page 5

JAPANESE NAVAL DISASTER.

I SCENES AT THE WBECK. I TWO HTOTORED UTES LOST. I TORIO, September 15. i When it was evident that the Mikas.I was sinking the vessel was towed land j ward. She lies on an even keel in sh J fathoms, with her upper deck showing, i It i= known that 200 men perished. LONDON, September 15. The '"Daily Telegraph's' , Tokio cor respondent reports that there was s ' series of explosions on the Mikasj.. anc =ome sounded like the simultaneous re ■ ports of many heavy guns, while other; were dull and" muffled. After the tirst series of explosions a } vast ~heet of flame envi loped the >hip. It was a peifeet moonlight night. Thf I searchlights from the ships and from shore and the glare of the fire disclosed a, heartrending spectacle. I There were many heroic incidents. i Boats everywhere were lowered. The I survivors of the Mikasa's crew rowed '■ about saving life, though many of them were suffering from injuries. These saved numbers. j Admiral Yamamoto, Minister for Mar- ' inc. says that at a conference of naval I officers it was agreed that the disastei j was due to accident. A commission of inquiry has been appointed, with Admiral Misu as chairman, and the sittings have bygun. Th< I findings will be published. ; The guns of the Mifeasa are being removed preparatory to the redoating ol i the vessel. I "