STERN BLOWN OFF

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20804, 6 June 1942, Page 3

STERN BLOWN OFF

7 5 FT. JAR U-BOAT HAZARDS OF SALVAGE CRAFT SLIPS SLINGS (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright,) (10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 6. An open conning tower and a gaping hole where 15ft of the stern had been blown away was revealed yesterday when the first Japanese submarine sunk in Sydney harbour was raised to a horizontal position. The hole in the stern is thought to have been caused by a depth charge, but another theory is that the crew, realising their position was hopeless, attempted to blow up the submarine. Because of the open hatch and the hole in the stern, it is not considered likely that any member of the crew will be found inside. Attached to the conning tower was a second net-cutting device similar to the one on the bow. The hull is about 3ft. under water but is clearly visible. It was estimated to be 75ft. long with a beam of about 7ft. For more .than three days naval salvage men were on the job, all working in the shadow of danger of a live torpedo in one of the tubes exploding. The day before the bow was raised there was one breath-taking moment as the slings slipped and the submarine went to the bottom with a jolt. The men braced themselves for an explosion but nothing happened. News that th'eir son Ivan was apparently on the'.ferry boat torpedoed in Sydney Harbour has been received- by Mr. and ’Mrs. rD. L. Thompson, of Hastings. A cablegram " received states: “Torpedoed in Sydney. Still cheerful.” Thompson left New Zealand recently for naval service.