GREEK NAVAL LOSS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21193, 16 August 1940, Page 6

GREEK NAVAL LOSS

HIT BY SUBMARINE FRICTION WITH ITALY (Urtrtco Pres* Asan.—Efec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 16, 3.15 p.m.) ATHENS, August 15 It is officially announced that an unknown submarine torpedoed and sank the cruiser Helle while she was anchored off Tinos Island. LONDON, August 15 The Athens correspondent of the American Press says the sinking of the Helle has spread consternation throughout Greece. Naval experts examined the fragments of a torpedo and reported to General Metaxas, the Prime Minister, that the crew attempted to ground the Helle but escaping oil set her on fire and forced the crew to abandon the ship.

It is officially reported from Athens that a few minutes after the attack on the Helle all telephonic communication with Rome was severed.

General Metaxas conferred with the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The submarine which attacked the Helle made off without coming to the surface. It fired three torpedoes at 8.30 a.m. and the Helle sank at 9.30 a.m.

Crowds of people were assembled in the vicinity for the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption. One torpedo missed the Helle and struck a quay which was crowded with pilgrims. Many children were killed and a woman died from shock. Several were injured.