GRIM DRAMA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23356, 26 May 1939, Page 13

GRIM DRAMA

INRUSH OF WATER SAILOR'S QUICK ACT OKDEAL IN THE COLD TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN By Telegraph—Press A?sociation- —Copyright (Received May 25, 7.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 25 Lieutenant Bland, one of those rescued from the submarine, said: "We knew something "was -wrong a minute after diving. "As the water began coming in through the ventilation lines, a sailor, whose name I do not know, pounced upon and slammed the watertight door leading to the affected area. It took super-human strength to do^that —I don't know how he did it, because we took a terrific cant of 45 degrees by the bow. "We lost all power almost immediately, and all communication with the after part of the ship was cut off. Throughout the long day of Tuesday and the nLqht none was excited. "We tried for hours to attract the attention of those in the after compartment by telephone, but we never got an answer. Cause of Tragedy Unknown "We do not know what it was that happened. It could happen to any mechanism that requires complicated parts. "I never saw men handle a situation any better. The captain was perfectly cool: he gave his orders calmly, and the orders were carried out perfectly by each and every man." Quartermaster Murphy, in an interview with a represent at the North, American Newspaper Alliance, stressed the bitter cold during the wait. Wrapped Up, and Still Cold "All through the first afternoon we took it easy, trying to save any movement that would use up air and gas," said the quartermaster. "It was cold! I don't think I will ever get warm again. "That was the worst part of last night. We got into our bunks, as many as could, and wrapped ourselves up, and still we were cold. "We did not do much talking: that took energy, and we did not know how long we would have to he there. And who could read, when 26 of bur shipmates were missing and there was.every reason to believe they were dead? It got you, I can tell you that —but there was no whimpering."