THETIS EVIDENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 192, 15 July 1939, Page 9

THETIS EVIDENCE.

UNDER-WATER SIGNALLING. DESTROYER’S ARRIVAL. Received July 15. 9.25 a.in. LONDON, July 14. At the adjournment of the Thetis inquiry to-day it was intimated that Captain Oram would be recalled to give evidence on the suggestion that the Thetis’s under-water signalling apparatus was out of order, thus preventing the calling up of neighbouring vessels.. An Independent Cable Service message. dealing with another phase of the evidence, reports that Captain Nicholson, commanding the No. 60 Destroyer Flotilla, said that when he arrived at the Theti.s the submarine's stern was sticking Bft to 10ft out of the water, lie passed a line round the stern in an endeavour to lift it.

“We decided at all costs to try to enter the submarine in order to save life. At the back of our minds was the idea of drilling a hole somehow or other. We managed to lilt the stern clear of- the water, but tho submarine canted and slithered around, and assumed another position,” said witness.

Captain Nicholson said lie then decided to try to pass a wire round the stern of the submarine in the hope of forming a cradle by means of which men could lift the stern further out of the water, but tho wire parted and the stern of the submarine passed under tho water. Earlier evidence, states a. British Official Wireless message, was heard as to action taken by responsible officers and the transmission of a message between them in the hours immediately following the failure of the submarine to surface.

Meanwhile, an Independent Cable Service report says, the salvage companv states that the work on the sunken submarine Thetis is held up by strong winds, but all is clear and suitable weather is being awaited.