SECOND EDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15913, 10 May 1915, Page 9

SECOND EDITION.

STATEMENTS BY LUSITANIA SURVIVORS.

VESSEL STRUCK BY TWO TORPEDOES.

LARGE NUMBER OF WOMEN AND BABIES ON BOARD.

(Received May 10, 2.10 a.m.)

London, May 8.

Mr. Cowper, a Toronto journalist, one of those saved from the Lusitania, states that he caught a glimpse of the conning-tower of' a submarine a thousand yards distant. He then noticed the track of the torpedo. The Lusitania was struck foreward. A loud explosion followed, and portions of the splintered hull were sent flying into the air. A few seconds later another torpedo struck her.

The crew immediately got the passengers into the boats. Everything was done in an orderly manner. Some of the boats could not be launched, and had to be cut away, as the vessel was sinking.

There was a large number of women and about forty babies

amongst the second-class passengers.

It is stated by Mr. D. A. Thomas that the Lusitania was torpedoed 15 miles off the shore. She was headed for the shore after she struck, but she sank in 15 minutes. Mr. Thomas says that he heard only one torpedo strike the vessel. Captain Turner remained on the bridge until the last, and went down with the vessel. A lifebelt kept him afloat for three hours until he was rescued. ♦

Mr. Thomas states that Lady Mackworth was picked up in an unconscious condition, after being in the water for 3i hours. She re-

covered.