PIRATES SEIZE A STEAMER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 29, 29 October 1919, Page 7

PIRATES SEIZE A STEAMER

An extraordinary case of robbery on the high seas, recalling the piracy of the Midole Ages, is reported from the Black Ken. The steamer Constantino, of the Russian Steam Navigation Company, on its arrival at Constantinople, from Russian ports, brought the news that her crew and passengers had been overawed by u band of brigands, the passengers rubbed and their baggage rilled. Gold coin and notes to the value of 5a,000,000 roubles besides jewellery and other valuables being taken. A number of passengers, including a group of individuals who appeared to be. Georgians, embarked at tiatum, and while the steamer was eij route for Rizeh revolver shots were suddenly heard one night. Pandemonium followed, mingled with the screams of the woman and child passengers. ' All points of the vessel were guarded, and all resistance on the part of the passengers and the crew instantly overcome. while the captain of the ship was ordered to continue his course. Systematic robbery of the passengers' effects followed, and lasted for about four hours. The proceeds were then placed in four large canvas sacks. f)n arrival off Rizeh the captain was ordered to slacken speed and lower tho boats, whereupon tho pirates rowed ashore with their booty. When the captain reached Trebizond lie reported the alt'air to the British au'thorities. and ttie ship was ordered' to return to Hatura, where the captain was arrested and an inrjuiiy opened, which established ihs fact that eight of the crew were lir.t described in the ship's papers, while Ihe pirates, who numbered tweniv-H'ven, embarked without: any doaumeiits. and doubtless had accomplice on hoard.