SHIP AFIRE OFF NAURU

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23204, 16 December 1940, Page 8

SHIP AFIRE OFF NAURU

PRESENCE OF RAIDER REPORTED

SECOND VESSEL ALSO

INTERCEPTED

(PBE.S3 ASSOCIATION TII.KIIKAM.) WELLINGTON’. December 14. The Prime Minister Uhe Rl. Hon. P. Fraser) announced to-day with deep regret that reports received from Nauru Island indicated that a British ship was on lire oil' the island last Sunday morning. Tin* weather was bail and pour visibility hindered observation.

In the afternoon, the ship was seen to be on lire and was apparently being shelled by another vessel and both shortly disappeared. All British shipping known to be in the vicinity was instructed to proceed to other ports. This instruction, and the necessary wireless silence imposed on shipping, is responsible fur Hie fact that nothing further lias been sighted from Nauru and no reports have ycl been received from Hie ships concerned.

Unfortunately, however, there appear to be substantial indications that at least one other ves.M-T- the only one on New Zealand articles -lias been intercepted by a raider and the next-ol-kin of those on board Ibis second vesvel have already beeii advised by telegram of all the facts that are available and of the sympathy of the New Zealand Government in their anxiety, Wireless communication with Nauru, which is under (he care of the Australian Commonwealth Naval Hoard, is being maintained and further information is awaited. Nauru Island is more than 3000 miles from New Zealand, in a north-north-westerly direction.