ACTIVITY OF UNDERSEA CRAFT

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13723, 14 November 1916, Page 6

ACTIVITY OF UNDERSEA CRAFT

FULLER ACCOUNT OP THE LOSS OP THE ARABIA. . VESSEL TORPEDOED WITHOUT WARNING. ' GALLANT CONDUCT OP RESCUING VESSELS. ; ' ■ ■•i; •!'-s'. : : I :i. (Australian aw 1 New ifpaland Cable Association). ' CAra^ 1 November 12. The Arabia was torpedoed without warning at 11.25 in the morning. She was struck immediately' underneath 'tie "firstclass smoke room, and the engine joo.nis and- the stokelioljA were immediately flooded. There was no panic and all the boats.were lowered without trouble, except two that liad- been damaged 1 by ft the explosion.. The women .and children were placed boafs first. The smoke of three steamers was visible on the horizon, and these vessels arrived within half an hour. They proved to be trawler patrol boats, and the City of Marseilles arrived at 1 practically the same time. The Arabia was unable to send a.wireless call, owing to the..'; shock of the explosion carrying away her aerials. Tlie vessel quickly listed and settled down. Then she righted herself and ( lay on an even keel, enabling all the boats and rafts to be launched without difficulty. She sank at 1.20. The sea was calm. Two of the patrols picked up the passengers, while the third circled round to prevent a , further surprise attack. Meanwhile two submarines were seen four miles distant. The Arabia slowly sank by the stern, threw her l)ow in the air, and disappeared stern first. A thanksgiving service 'was held aboard the City of Marseilles, whose captain received an address from the Arabia's passengers, testifying to.the courage of his crew in saving life in the face of imminent danger.. •

FURTHER ATTACKS ON MERCHANT SHIPPING. REPORTED SINKING OF AN AMERICAN VESSEL. (Reuter's Telegrams.) LONDON, November 12. The British steamers Bogota, Marga, and Earl of Torfar have been sunk. The American steamer Columbia is believed to have been sunk. (Australian and New Zealand Cable Association). • LONDON, November 12. Lloyds report the sinking of the American steamer Columbian, 6580 tons, also three British steamers, and one. Danish., ..'„'. ~.■.•' '. .. ....". ~. ': '..','. .... "' NORWAY AND ' GERMANY! '"' ' ■ ''''' * THE NOSSE STAM IfeM '; (Australian and New Zealand Cable 'Association.) ' « AMSTERDAM, November 12. A semi-official Note published in the German newspapers admits that Norway's Note is conciliatory, but not satisfactory. It indicates little hope of a peaceful solution. Other advices show that official circles are disappointed by Norway's unwillingness to modify her attitude, but the danger of a conflict has passed.