SENSATIONAL STORY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16216, 20 May 1918, Page 8

SENSATIONAL STORY.

MINE ADRIFT IN TASMAN SEA

The following account of a steamer's adventure with a floating mine (says the Sydney "Shipping List") has bepn reported in Sydney for some days. This steamer, while on a voyage between New Zealand and Sydney with a cargo of timber, sighted - a black object. In view of the finding of mines off the New South Wales coast, suspicion was aroused, and it was decided to make a closer inspection. ■ The vessel's course was altered accordingly, and when close enough the spherical body and protruding horns of a mine were plainly seen. The officers of tho steamer were puzzled to know what to do. If they abandoned the mino there was a chance of another 1 vessel finding it —with - disastrous consequences—before tho locality could be reported to the authorities. _ Soon a bold plan of action was decided upon. With tho greatest caution the steamer was manoeuvred towards the deadly engine till it was a few fathoms to leeward. A bowline was mado in a line, and tho bightrwith much accuracy and a certain afhount of luck —was thrown round tho mine, - which was dropped astern; A rifle and ammunition was produced, and a marksman proceeded to shoot at the tow, with the object of hitting one of tho horns and exploding it. Owing to thero being a slight sea running at tli6 time, the shooting was unsuccessful, though the body of the mine, it was thought, was hit once or twice. At length ammunition of tho riflo gave" out, and, a# another steamer was in the offiifg, signals were made asking for ammunition, and explaining j the situation.

The vessel thus appealed to, also a New Zealand trader, evidently did not comprehend the message, for, signalling a compliment in reply, she held her course, and was soon hull down. As darkness came on, the mino, which was towing badly through the choppy and rapidly-rising sea, broke adrift and disappeared astern.