CHASED BY U-BOAT

Grey River Argus, 17 January 1940, Page 3

CHASED BY U-BOAT

N.Z. BOUND LINER. AUCKLAND, January 15. To be attacked by a submarine and yet to be unaware of the happening until two hours afterwards was the experience of 11 passengers on the British ship Port Campbell when south of the Azores on November 14. Among the passengers were Dr. and Mrs W. M. McCormick, of Auckland who have returned to New Zealand Dr. and Mrs McCormick explained that the passengers were at dinner at the time, and were not informed until the submarine had been outdistanced. Dr. McCormick said that the attack occurred about dusk. Catching the ship against the setting sun, the submarine fired nine shells at her, but fortunately its marksmanship was not good, the nearest of the shells falling 200 yards away. As they were below decks the passengers heard none of the explosions. In the growing darkness the ship was able to escape. • Apprehensions about further attacks caused the master to warn all passengers to sleep in their clothes that night, and to be prepared for any emergency. As it happened however, there was no need for these fears, for the submarine was not seen again. Some time later, when the ship was close to the coast of Africa, the attack was reported to the Royal Navy by wireless. In an amazingly short time a British warship appeared and came alongside to learn if all was well on the Port Campbell.