SENSATIONAL STORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17318, 18 May 1918, Page 7

SENSATIONAL STORY

MINE ADRIFT IN TASMAN SRA. The follovring account of a steamer's adventure with a floating mine (says the Sydney Ship-ping List) iias been rejjorted in Sydney for some days. This steamer, wiiile on a voyage between New Zealand aud Sydney with a cargo of timber, sighted a black object. In view of the linding of mines off the New South Wales Coast, suspicion was aroused, and it was decided to mako a close-.- inspection. Tho vessel's course was altered accordingly, and when close enough the spherioal body and protruding bonis of a mine were plainly seen. Ilio officers of the steamer were puzzled to know what to do. If tbey abandoned tho mine, there was a chance of another vessel finding it—with c'ispstrous consequcnoes—before tho locality could bo reported to the authorities. Soon a bold plan of action was decided upon. With tho greateet caution tho steamor was manoeuvred towards the deadly engine till it was a few fathoms to leeward. A bowline was made in the line, and the bight—with much accuracy, and a certain amount of luck—was thrown round the mino, which was dropped astern. A rifle and ammunition was produced, and a marksman proceeded to shoot at the tow, with the object of hitting one of the horns and exploding it Owing to there being a slight 6ea running at the time, the shooting was unsuccessful, though tho body of tho mine, it is thought, was hit once or twice. At length amnwnition for the rifle gavo out, and, as another steamer was in the oiling, signals wero made, asking for ammunition, and explaining the situation Tho vessel thus .appealed to, also a Now Zealand trader, evidently did not comprehend the message, for, signalling a compliment. in reply, she 011 her course, and was soon hull down. As darkness came on, tho mine, which was towing badly through the choppy and rapidly-riemg sea, broke adrift, and Mtani.