SUBMERSIBLE SINKS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 828, 28 May 1910, Page 5

SUBMERSIBLE SINKS.

CREW PERISH

LOSS OF TWENTY-SEVEN LIVES

A COLLISION,

By Tclcerapk—Prey Association—Copyright

Paris, May 26. A French submersible, the Huviosc, collided with tho South Eastern Railway Company's steamer Pas do Calais in tho Channel. The submersible sank, and her complement wore drowned, comprising Captain Prat, two brother officers from the Calais submarine station, and a crew of 24. Tho weather was fine, and the atmosphere clear, at tho time of the collision. After- the impact the Pluviose was not seen again.

The Pas de Calais had 280 passengers on board. Her bows were badly damaged, and she was obliged to return to Calais. Fivo French torpedo-boats have commenced dragging operations. [The French submersible Pluviose, according to text-books, was credited with a surface speed of 12.3 knots an hour, and a speed of eight knots when submerged. It was claimed that she had on tho surface a range of 1000 miles at 10 knots.] FLOATED FOR TEN MINUTES. NO REPLY TO KNOCKS. PROBABILITY OF NAPHTHA FUMES. (Rec. May 27, 9.45 p.m.) ' London, May 27. The submersiblo Pluviose was rising from a dive when she struck the steamer. The Pluvioso floated for ten minutes, with nine feet of 'her bow's above water. A boat was launched from tho steamer, and some seamen boarded the submersiblo. They knocked on tho deck plates, but received no reply.

The Pluvioso then sank. There are indications that the naphtha reservoir burst, as the spirit was seen bubbling and eddying to the surface of the water. BADLY HOLED. INSTANT DEATH PROBABLE. (Roc. May 27, 10;40 p.m.) London, May 27. A diver found that the Pluviose was badly holed,, and the aft part was full of 'water. Ho knocked at the bo,w compartment, and there was no response. "Exports consider that the crew perished instantly.

SUBMARINES SUCCESSFUL. IN MANOEUVRES. FOUR BATTLESHIPS WERE TORPEDOED. Paris, May 26. French naval manoeuvres are being held in the'*Mediterranean. The first part of the programme was notablo for the remarkable success of the submarines entrusted with the defonce of Corsica. They pursued six battleships for three hours and "torpedoed" four. ■