DARING PIRACY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 144, 20 June 1934, Page 7

DARING PIRACY.

CHINESE OUTRAGE. Passengers of British Vessel Held to Ransom. WARSHIPS IN PURSUIT. United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) PEKING, June 19. Pirates held up and looted the British coastal steamer Shuntien while she was 011 her way from Tientsin to Shanghai. They left her at the mouth of the Yellow River after they had kidnapped six foreign passengers and 20 Chinese. One of the oilicers was badly wounded during a hand-to-hand scuffle 011 board. Two warships are proceeding at full speed to meet the Shuntien. The British captives are: —Two naval lieutenants, Messrs. Luce and Field; Mr. Graeme Nicholl, an insurance manager; the second officer, Mr. Brand; and the third engineer, Mr. Watson. A Japanese named Yamamoto was also carried off. The pirates loaded their plunder into five junks and fled. The wounded man is the third officer, Mr. Ross. He was the only man to defy the pirates when they rushed the bridge. Police Commissioner Aboard. Among t'ie passengers who were not kidnapped was the British ConsulGeneral at Tsingtao, Mr. Hadley Derry, also Mr. Isenmonger, Police Commissioner at Tientsin. The piracy occurred 011 Sunday night, when 30 Chinese, disguised as passengers, the majority of them armed, rushed the bridge and then took possession of the engine-room. Captain Christansen was immediately placed under an armed guard, as were the wireless operators. When Mr. Ross was shot a pirate took the wheel and handled the ship. Obviously he was an experienced navigator. The vessel was then taken to the mouth of the Yellow River, where it met the five junks. The cargo was not touched, but passengers' luggage and valuables were thoroughly looted Foreign women were not molested and came through the ordeal unharmed. Pirates Chose Their Victims. Before leaving the vessel the pirates announced that they intended to take the four passengers and two ship's officers, also the 20 Chinese, and would hold them for ransom. The captain suggested drawing lots among the foreigners to decide who was to accompany the pirates, but the latter made their own selection. This act of piracy is regarded as the most daring that lias been committed in this part of the world. The British naval authorities have not disclosed their plans. Mrs. Ross, mother of the wounded third officer of the Shuntien, left Shanghai for Chefoo on hearing that her son was near death. An armed guard was supplied by the Worcester Regiment. The British aircraft-carrier Eagle left Weihaiwei for an unknown destination. Later reports indicate that the pirates havo not left their junks, which are anchored in shallow waters inaccessible to sea-going craft. This suggests the Eagle's mission.