TWO MORE SHIPS LOST IN PACIFIC WATERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 295, 16 December 1940, Page 6

TWO MORE SHIPS LOST IN PACIFIC WATERS

ONE SEEN AFIRE OFF NAURU

APPARENTLY BEING SHELLED BY

ANOTHER VESSEL

[ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, Dec. 14. With deep regret the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. I'iasei. announced to-day that reports received from Nauru Island indicate that a British ship was on fire off the island last Sunday morning. The weather was bad and pool- visibility hindered observation. In the afternoon the ship was seen to be on fire and apparently was being shelled by another vessel. Both shortly disappeared. All British shipping known to be in that vicinity was instructed to proceed to other ports. This instruction and the necessary wireless silence imposed on shipping is responsible for the fact that nothing further has been sighted from Nauru and no reports have yet been received from the ships concerned, but unfortunately there appear to be substantial indications that at least one other vessel —the only one on New Zealand articles—has been intercepted by a raider and the next-of-kin of all those on board this second vessel have already been advised by telegram of all the facts that are available and of the sympathy of the New Zealand Government in their anxiety. Wireless communication with Nauru Island, which is under the care of the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board, is being maintained and further information is awaited.