ON THE SEAS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 272, 2 November 1916, Page 5

ON THE SEAS.

THE CHANNEL RAID. FURTHER DETAILS. [AUSTRALIAN AND NZ. CABLE ASSN-J London; Nov. 1. In the House of Commons Mr. Balfour (First Lord of the Admiralty), replying to questions, said that six British drifters were lost in the Channel fight. The raiders possessed the advantage of being able to choose the moment of attack. He assumed that it was their intention to interfere with the Channel service, which was a vital link in oui- main communications. This object failed. The only vessel attacked was the Queen. She could have been saved if the captain had realised that she could have remained afloat for six hours. The Flirt was an old type o‘ destroyer. She was surprised in the darkness. German destroyers sank her by shot at close range. The Nubian sank while attacking the German flotilla. Only the gale prevented her from being brought in. He believed she could be salved. The British ships hit the Germans but sank none. There is reason to believe that two enemy destroyers were trapped by nets and mines and blown up and probably sunk. THE U 53. RETURNS SAFELY TO GERMANY. r REUTFR S TELEGRAMS.! (Received 2, 9.30 a.m.) Amsterdam, Nov. 1. An officials message from Berlin says the U 53 has returned safely.