SCUTTLED SHIP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 307, 30 December 1942, Page 6

SCUTTLED SHIP

INDIAN OCEAN DRAMA V ALUABLE CARGO GOES DOWN. Sydney, Dec 15 Details have been released of the scuttling of the German freighter which was recently in the Indian Ocean and was attempting to reach Europe with a valuable cargo from Japan. Australian and Dutch warships intercepted the ship, which was of 8000 tons. After a sharp engagement the German crew scuttled their ship. There was no loss of life on the Allied side. The intercepting vessels captured 78 of the enemy. A number of Allied seamen who had previously been taken prisoners were rescued. While the freighter was at an enemy port a German naval officer addressed the officers and crew, and told them that if they got the cargo to Germany it would be equivalent to winning a big battle for Hitler. One day in calm, clear weather, a heavily-laden ship was sighted 12 miles ahead. When challenged the ship altered course several times, and then made off in an attempt to escape Thj warships raced up on the side of the freighter, which hoisted a neutral flag and gave the name of a neutral ship, which, was incorrectly spelt. She later repeated the name, and this time spelt it differently. It was now certain that the cargcshin was a German vessel. A Dutch warship opened fire with a salvo across her bows. The crew of the freighter abandoned shin, and when the lifeboats were well clear a terrific explosion occurred on the after end. Shortly afterwards, explosions followed along the who’ 0 length of the ship, which enveloped -r in dense smoke, leaving only the funnel visible. An Australian warshin then opened fire, and one of the shells hit the freighter aft of th.? bridge. The German captain and wireless operator wre seen to jump overboard, and were later picked up by their own lifeboats. A salvo was fired at the same time by the first-mentioned Dutch warship. The German shin settled down and sank stern-first in about eight minutes.

After the ship had sunk, nigs were seen swimming around in the water and. one reached a rescuing vessel. Tt was taken aboard. Another ship in the vicinity signalled that jt was short of meat And asked if it could have the nig. The rescuing vessel replied: "Pig regrets it cannot swim any more to-day.”