LOST AT SEA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25208, 24 April 1943, Page 4

LOST AT SEA

MR ARTHUR COOK’S FATE FURTHER DETAILS OF SINKING OF SHIP (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Apl. 22. A tribute to the calmness and cheerfulness of Mr Arthur Cook, the New Zealand delegate to the Trades Union Conference, when the California Star was torpedoed, has been paid by Captain Sidney Foulkes, who has arrived in London. He said that Mr Cook was last seen with six men on board a raft. They had food for several days, but it was 11 days before Captain Foulkes, with 24 in a lifeboat, could reach the Azores. A ship was immediately sent out, but could not find the raft.

Mr Cook was playing cribbage on deck when two torpedoes hit the ship on the evening of March 4, smashing two lifeboats on the starboard side. Mr Cook, with;other passengers, helped to launch a : lifeboat on the port side, but there was no room for him. He was calm and cheerful, telling everyone to take things easily, as there was plenty of time. He then assisted an officer in launching rafts. Then a third torpedo struck the ship, smashing up the lifeboat which had just been launched and killing the occupants. Mr Cook left the ship and clambered on to a raft. Just before the ship sank the last lifeboat was launched, the second officer being in command. When the ship sank the submarine came to the surface alongside the lifeboat and took on board the second officer and then submerged. The boat then had, no navigator, but picked up the captain from a raft. He visited each raft to ensure that the occupants had food, water, and extra blankets, and stayed with them until 11 a.m. on March 5. ! V"7 After consultation, it was decided that the boat should attempt to make for the Azores to obtain help. It was impossible to take any more on board. Of the 24 persons on board, one died before reaching port. Captain Foulkes expressed the opinion that there was little hope now of finding survivors. He said Mr Cook was a popular passenger. He voluntarily kept watch on the bridge, and also filled in time painting the ship.