HOT ENCOUNTER
ACTION FOR AN HOUR
ARMED SHIP AND
DESTROYERS
FORMER BLOWS UP
LONDON, October 12,
The first 1 encounter between an armed merchantman and destroyers in the Mediterranean was graphically described by the captain of the Spanish steamer Cabo Santo Tome (12,589 tons), which was carrying a cargo of explosives from Odessa to Cartagena.
Insurgent destroyers appeared and without warning opened fire at long range. The Cabo Santo Tome replied with her two four-inch guns and several quick-firers. Hot action lasted for an hour.
The warships closed in and shells eventually set fire to the merchantman, which raced at full speed to Bona with the flames out of control. The crew, numbering 100, one of whom had been killed, took to the boats. The Cabo Santo Tome blew up and fishing boats picked up the survivors and took them to Lacalle. Six were wounded.
Fishermen jsaid that a woman was among the rescued. They said that the Cabo Santo Tome defended herself so energetically that one destroyer was disabled, and taken in tow by another.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19371013.2.80.2
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 90, 13 October 1937, Page 11
Word Count
176HOT ENCOUNTER Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 90, 13 October 1937, Page 11
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