H.M.S. HUNTER

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1937, Page 3

H.M.S. HUNTER

CAUSE OF EXPLOSION ADMIRALTY OPINION (Per British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 14. The Admiralty states that a preliminary investigation into the cause of the explosion on 11.M.5. Hunter suggests that the vessel was struck by a floating mine. A message from Gibraltar states that not since the Great War *uis a British warship reached port ex--1 hibiting such damage as 11.M.5. Hunter when she was towed in 'stern first by II.M.S'. Arethusa. She j was low in the water and the bow ! portholes were submerged. Damage I admidships on the starboard side sugj gests that she was struck immediately between the break in the ] forcastle. The port side plating was also bent and torn indicating a very forcible impact. Oil stains show how the explosion flung up a column of fuel. The foremast snapped, the wireless aerial was destroyed, and , the davits were smashed, making it j necessary to secure the lifeboats by ! wire hawsers. The decks were strewn with debris. The Hunter was placed in dry dock. The streets of Almerla were crowded for the funeral of the seamen from the Hunter. An impressive procession was headed by the creds of H.M.S. Arethusa and two - British destroyers and representai lives of the Spanish air force. - Marines carried the coffins.