ON THE SEAS

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 March 1944, Page 5

ON THE SEAS

BLOCKADE-RUNNERS

LONDON, March 21. The “Evening Standard’s” naval correspondent says: The Germans made a desperate attempt to run tne blockade, using submarines, but the Royal Navy and the R.A.F. by prompt action stopped this leak. The Germans, shortly before the Italian capitulation, converted several large Italian submarines into cargo-carry-ing vessel’s, estimated to be capable of carrying .150 to 200 tons of cargo. A few of these vessels possibly reached Japan, but there are no reports of return journeys, and it is very doubtful in view of our grip on the sea routes into Europe, whether the submarines succeeded in getting even limited regular supplies to Germany. ENEMY TANKER SUNK. RUGBY, March 22. On Monday night our coast defence batteries engaged a 4000-ton German tanker in the Straits of Dover. The tanker was hit, and subsequent air reconnaissance reported that she could not be seen at sea or in the harbour, and is therefore presumed sunk. U.S.A. SUBMARINE LOST RUGBY, March 22. The American submarine Scorpion is overdue from patrol and presumed lost, states the United States Navy Department. The Scorpion was laid down in 1941 and carried a crew of 65.