Great Naval Encounter.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9113, 6 July 1898, Page 2

Great Naval Encounter.

SPANISH^ FLEET DESTROYED.

AIpSKCITING OHABE.

CERVERA CAPTURED.

SPANIARDS FIGHT DES

PEEATELT.

Press Association- Electric Telegnpb Copyright

(Received at Waknpnaka, July 6th, 12.66 a.m)

Washington, July 5. The destrucfon of Admiral Gervera's squadron on Sunday has completely altered the situation.

Commodore Sampson allowed Admiral Cerveras to make an exit, the flagship leading. They passed the sunken Merrimac in single file, the Vizcaya, Almirante Oquendo, and two torpedo boat destroyers following, making for the westward. ■

Shot and shell from the American warships swept the Spanish vessels. The Indiana, lowa, Texas, and Oregan pursued the Oristobel Colon for 60 miles.

Admiral Cervera's guns were well served.

The Spaniards headed off the coast and attempted to run between the two ships lowa and Texas. The latter dosed up the gap, keepup a scathing fire. They raced for three thousand yards and were then forced to go ashore, all ablaze.

The Texas and Indiana attacked the Vizcaya and Almirante Oqueado. Sooner than yield, the Spanish fleet fought desperately and bravely, bnt when on fire their entire length, were forced to go ashore, twenty miles from the point of starting. The Spanish torpedo boat destroyers, which were repeatedly struck by the Gloucester, attempted to torpedo the Indiana, but the shells from the latter sent one destroyer a burning, battered wreck ashore, and the other was abandoned, the crews struggling to reach the shore.

Commodore Sampson reports that he has captured 1300 prisoners, including Admiral Cervera, who was wounded.

The American loss was one killed and two wounded.