CRUISER CUT IN TWO

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 13 June 1945, Page 5

CRUISER CUT IN TWO

COLLISION WITH QUEEN MARY IN 1942 CASE BEFORE ADMIRALTY COURT (Rec. 11.15 a.m.) London, June 12. The tragedy in which 25 officers and 313 ratings lost their lives when the liner Queen Mary collided with and cut in half the cruiser Curacoa in the Atlantic on Oct. 2, 1942, was described in the Admiralty Court by the cruiser’s commander, Captain J. W. Boutwood. The Queen Mary at the time was carrying 15,000 American troops. The Admiralty brought action against the Cunard White Star Line, alleging that the collision was caused through negligent navigation of the Queen Mary. A counter-allegation was made of negligent navigation of the Curacoa.

“It seems inconceivable to me that a ship on my port side, overtaking and steaming at 28£ knots and knowing that the Curacoa was steaming at 25 knots should make any appreciable alteration in its course for any reason except through some mistake or mischance.” said Captain Boutwood.

He added that the Queen Mary’s bow struck the Curacoa’s port side and immediately flung the cruiser’s stern to starboard. “The Queen Mary went over the top and between the cruiser’s two pieces. The cruiser’s forepart righted and I thought there was a chance of saving th e forepart, but within a minute I realised there was no hope of saving th e ship. The cruiser sank within five minutes. I dipped with her. Only 99 were saved, including one officer and myself.” The case was adjourned.