SURPRISE FOR A SHIP'S CAPTAIN

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2243, 1 September 1914, Page 7

SURPRISE FOR A SHIP'S CAPTAIN

INCIDENT IN SYDNEY HAEBOUR. As was anticipated, the German-Aus-tralian Company's steamer Berlin entered Sydney Heads last week from Hamburg and Antwerp, with all on board, save one man, blissfully ignorant of the faco that war had been declared. Before 7 a.m.. the'ofßcer in the signal station recognised the familiar funnel and outlino of a "black German," and it was soon evident that the Berlin had not fallen in with any yessel'of her own nationality off the coast, and, not being fitted; with wireless, had steamed complacently into a- stronghold of the enemy: :■.. ;■-••'■;•■■;...>'; c t \: '.: .-.:-. ■;.--..;-.-j

While the vessel "was.'outside nothing" was done to disturb the serenity of | those on'hoard, and the pilot steamer proceeded but to the vessel and placed a pilot on board in the usual way. At 7.13 th© pHotib.rought.the vessel, through the Heads "'without' betra'yiiig'any special' interest or concern in the proceeding. He took the steamer.to a spot off: Grotto Point, where the anchor was dropped. Up to this time Captain Heyen'z'a did net' entertain any suspicions, hirl, when a launch ran up alongside the steamer, and a gentleman in uniform clambered on board, his face wore a puzzled expression. "They must be going to search us for opium. That is unusual," he muttered in German.

The uniformed' gentleman advanced and inquired for the captain. "Who are you?" questioned the latter. The naval officer told the captain of the outbreak of hostilities ■; and informed him that His vessel was seized. Though, greatly surprised, Captain Heyenza said little, but 'afterwards . admitted' having thought deeply,' particularly regarding that stoical pilot who had so calmly brought the Berlin through the Heads to a safe anchorage. A naval guard was placed on the steamer, and, after the examination by the. port health officer, the steamer was brought up the harbour," and anchored below Garden Island.