LOSS OF THE HIRANO MARU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16980, 14 October 1918, Page 6

LOSS OF THE HIRANO MARU.

RESCUERS FIRED ,ON. ,

, RESCUE WORK STOPPED.

i Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Heed. 6.6 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. U.

A high sea was running and rain was falling in torrents when the Hirano Mam wag torpedoed without warning on Saturday night* . The seamen hurriedly attempted to launch the boats, but they were smashed against the sides. When the passengers realised the disaster they rushed up on deck, only to find the "huge waves sweeping men, women, and children into tho sea. Two hundred people were soon fighting for their lives against the waves, jpiteously shrieking for help. The Hirano Mam sank in five minutes, with the captain and all the officers. A tremendous explosion finally shattered tho vessel. Doors, scats, and other woodwork, which were loosened by the explosion and flung into the sea, served as makeshift rafts. Men and women struggled towards them and hung on desperately despite the high waves. The wiroless operator continued to send messages until his cabin was flooded. Ho was unable to escape, and was drowned. His messages brought; an American destroyer, but this vessel was forced to discontinue rescue work as the submarine was lurking near by, watching the victims in the water. A torpedo was fired against tho destroyer. Meanwhilo the unfortunates, in the water wero dropping off the woodwork and drowning every minute. The propellor of the sinking vessel cut vi number of people in pieces, and their mutilated bodies were tossod on tho waves. Having scared off the submarine, the destroyer was able to resumo the rescuo, but by this time the cries of tho victims had almost ceased. Only 29 were found alive.