MODERN PIRACY

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 24 December 1925, Page 7

MODERN PIRACY

TWO INSTANCES. CHINESE STEAMER CAPTURED. VALUABLE BOOTY TAKEN. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION— COPYRHIG‘I PEKIN, Dee., 22. The China Navigation Company’s steamer Tungehow, hound from Shanghai to Tientsin, was seized hy Chinese pirates disguised as passengers 200 miles south of Wailiaiwei. The pirates made their headquarters in the first-class saloon, but did not interfere with the passengers, who had their meals and occupied their cabins as usual. They were told) that in the event of any interference everyone on board would) ,be shot. The pirates insisted that a course be kept far out from land, and they evinced' murderous intentions every time another ■steamer hove in sight. 'The captain’s wound was dressed and he was nursed by Mrs Immott, a missionary. There were several anxious moments, notably at the end of the trip, when another steamer belonging to the same company passed close by. Foreign passengers, on the advice of the officers, remained within their cabins while boats came from the shore to take off the loot, which included a considerable quantity of specie, some cargo and all the portable luggage of the Chinese passengers. The foreigners were not molested. The’ steamer later sailed for Hongkong. The captain’s condition is hopeful. No one else was injured, though all are suffering severely from strain. DEPREDATIONS IN THE AEGEAN SEA. SMALL SHIPS ATTACKED ATHENS, Dee. 22, Up-to-date pirates, equipped _ with speedy motor boats, are operating in the Aegean 'Sea in the vicinity of the Dardanelles. The boats carry guns, with which small shipping is attackea. The latest exploit concerns an attack on a yawl, whieh is the property of a wealthy merchant, and the fate of •which is unknown. Shipowners have sent an urgent request to the Government to help.