ESCAPE FROM TORPEDO

Evening Star, Issue 16550, 9 October 1917, Page 4

ESCAPE FROM TORPEDO

-NEW ZEALAND TRADER. MISSED BY FIVE FEET. Newa lias been received in Auckland that another New Zealand trader had a verynarrow escape from being torpedoed, tho torpedo missing the vessel by five feet (says the Auckland 'Herald').' Tho incident occurred on tho afternoon of tho day after the vessel left an English port on a voyage to Australia and New Zealand. A sharp look-out was being kept for enemy submarines. ' This fact, coupled with the quick handling of the vessel, saved lie: from destruction. No sul> marine could be seen, but suddenly s long-range torpedo was observed approaching from the port Quarter, making straight for the middle of the vessel. The vessel's helm was quickly put hard-a-port, and as her head swung to starboard the torrodo passed the steamer's stem, it is estimated, sft away. Tho steamer carried a •gun and a trained gun crew. As soon as tho torpedo was noticed the gun crew rushed to tho gun and had it trained on the water where the submarine was expected to show itself, but it did not come to the surface,' and no sign of a periscope could be seen. At the same time a wireless message was sent stating what had occurred. Tho message was picked up by a British destroyer, which could be seen" on tho horizon. The destroyer, on receipt of tho message, raced towards tho vessel all ready for action. It did not seem any time before she was alongside the attacked steamer. As no sign of the enemy could be eeen, tho destroyer escorted the steamer for some time, and handed her over to another British msn-of-war. In this way she was escorted through the danger zone, and ultimately reached New Zealand safelv.