SENSATIONAL STORY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3349, 22 May 1918, Page 29

SENSATIONAL STORY.

RUNE ADRIFT IN TASMAN SEA.

The following account of a steamer's adventure with a floating mine (says "theSydney Shipping List) has been reported m Sydney ..for some days. This steamer, while on" a voyage between New Zealand and Sydney with a cargo of timber, sighted a black object. Jn view of the rinding of mines off the New South Wales Coast, suspicion was aroused, and it was decided to make a close: inspection. The vessel's course was altered accordingly, and when close enough the spherical body and protruding horns of a mine were plainly seen. The officers of the steamer wero "puzzled to know what to do. If they abandoned the mine, there was a chance of another vessel finding c'iswstrous consequences—before the locality could be reported to the authorities. Soon a bold plan of action was decided upon. With tho greatest caution the steamer was manoeuvred towards the deadly engine till it was a few fathoms to leewarcf. A bowline was made in the line, and the bight—with much accuracy, and a certain amount of luck—was thrown round the mine, 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 tho horns and exploding it. Owing to there being a slight sea running at the time, the shooting was unsuccessful, thoughthe body of the mine, it is thought, was hit once or twice. At length ammunition for the rifle gave out, and, as another steamer was in the offing, signals were made, asking for ammunition, and explaining the situation The vessel thus appealed to, also a New Zealand trader, evidently did not comprehend the message, for, signalling a compliment in reply, she held on her course, and was soon hull down. As darkness came on, the mine, which was towing badly through the choppy and rapidly-rising sea, broke adrift, and disappeared astern.