British Submarine Disaster Feared; No Sign After Trial Dive

Northern Advocate, 2 June 1939, Page 5

British Submarine Disaster Feared; No Sign After Trial Dive

(Received 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, June 1. NEW SUBMARINE, H.M.S. THETIS, AFTER DIVING DURING TRIALS OFF BIRKENHEAD, WAS NOT SEEN AGAIN. THE ADMIRALTY ANNOUNCES THAT IT IS TAKING ALL POSSIBLE STEPS. THE FULL COMPLEMENT OF THE CRAFT IS REPORTED TO BE 53. REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BUILDERS, CAMMELL LAIRD AND CO., WERE ON BOARD.

The Thetis was undergoing acceptance trials, and left Cammell Lairds yard in the morning for Liverpool Bay, beyond the bar lightship at lire mouth of the Mersey.

She dived at 1.30 a.m. at a point 50 miles off Birkenhead and was expected to rise to the surface at 4.30, but no signal was received. All warships in the vicinity were ordered to search.

The vessel’s complement is offlcia lly stated to be five officers and 48 men, with the builders’ representatives in addition.

ABSOLUTELY IN DARK.

Cammell Laird issued a statement saying: “We are absolutely in the dark at present. The submarine, which carried 20 of our staff, in charge of Mr Grout, also carried a number of Admiralty experts.

“It left our yard about 10 a.m., accompanied by a tug. We understand it is from the tug that the Admiralty received a message that something was

amiss.”

The Thetis was completed and com missioned for duty on March 4. It cost £350,000, and was commanded by Lieut.-Commander G. H. Bolus.

The Press Association naval correspondent says it is believed that there is a total of 100 men aboard the Thetis.