LOSS OF THE TUSCANIA.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14650, 2 March 1918, Page 2

LOSS OF THE TUSCANIA.

AMERICANS' GALLANTRY

FAITH IN THE .BRITISH NAVY

London, Feb. 12. The Tuscaiiia, an American transport which was Recently torpedoed near the Irish Coast, was one of a powerful "convoy, and had'a-smooth'and'prosperous passage until the calamity. . '. Tlie first, intimation of danger was at 4.30 in the afternoon, when all the men were ordered on deck with lifebelts, and the ship's course sharply altered. Sho was torpedoed on the starboard side of the engineroom at six o'clock. Many of the troops, were below preparing supper. The periscope of the submarine was not seen; but a hissing sound was heard immediately before the explosion. The ship was instantly -disabled, and the lights went out. "The order rang our for the troops to go to the boat stations and get the lifeboats out. A second torpedo missed. Naturally there was some confusion, but no panic, the troops behaving splendidly. They hastened to boat stations. Some of the boats were blown up and others tangled in the tackle, faulty handling of the boats throwing a'number of men into the water. '■-. Before some on board had grasped the situation the destroyers dasned alongside. The S.O.S. soon brought patrols and other, craft to assist in the 'rescue, which was difficult,,owing to the heavy list to starboard. I'he, only two women aboard went down a rope into the first lifeboat. ; WE WILL REPAY. An American officer states that while the was sinking he.was uncertain whether to go to the lifeboat. The sailors'-tcry—''We will trust John-Bull's destroyers"—decided him to stick ta the ship. The other ships of the convoy got through safely! "The Germans sue* ceeded in .getting .a fraction of-oxtr tine fellows," he said, "but they have put the iron into our souls, ;and we will repay." Other accounts state that the ship immediately listed :to starboard tremendously, and that eight lifeboats on that side were blown, up or useless. The troops' and the' "British crew lined the decks at attention, singing "Mj Country, 'Tis of Thee," and "God Save the King." , Numbers of survivors were suffering from shock, exposure and hurts. .Some had been two hours' in the .water, and were naked when landed. A willing band of helpers, nurses, and doctoru \ made >them comfortable. The .men soon recovered their ' spirits, and related their harrowing experiences, -and miraculous escapes. l ' FIFTH TIME TORPEDOED.. j Fort;- had jumped mto a boaty which 3 filled and sank and two survivors iloat--3 ed for three hours on an oar- and a 1 plank. An English stoker recorded At ias his fifth time torpedoed. He was lifted on top of the engines by the inrush of water, but clung to the-ladder ? and scrambler] on deck, dived, and was t saved. Five were found lashed to a raft, • three" of them dead and two in a precarious condition. .The Hinging over of collapsible rafts killed a number t struggling in zhe water. The survivors ha»vo been taken to Glasgow. Some were six hours afloat on the- rafts before being picked up, i- several dying from exposure. Almost ;. all the American officers were saved. • d The Tuseania was the first inbound American transport to bo sunk. American naval officials in London consider that the escort is as' safe and efficient }j as humanly possible. The outstanding '. feeling is thankfulness .that the losses ie were not much greater j the low figures indicating fine discipline and courage, i- and Svise, quick handling of the situation. d Mr Page, American Ambassador, telegraphed to the Lord .Mayor of JBel<i fast, thanking hiiu and the. people for their, ready, help!' .*■' '