SUBMARINES BLOCKADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1917, Page 2

SUBMARINES BLOCKADE.

Latest Losses

[REUTER’S SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.]

London, Feb 24

Sinkings include the British steamers Trojan Prince (3196 tons), Grenadier (1004 tons), Wat field (3012 tens), Bulgier (4588 tons) end the barque Invetcargill (1416 tone). Lloyd’s report that the following Dutch steamers w?re torpedoed on Thursday night. Tbe crews were landed—Zaodjtk (4159 tone), Nacrderdjik (7166 tons), Eemland (3770 tons), Gaasterland (3917 tors), Jacatra (5373 tons). Menado (5874 tons), Bandoeing (5851 tons).

The “ Central News ” states that four of thase were homeward bound with full cargoes . and were sunk at the western approaches to the English Channel. Arrangements for the voy ages of this group wers in the hands of the Dutch authorities and instructions regarding routes were not asked from the British Admiralty.

Seven Dutch Steamers

London; Feb 25

Aq officer belonging to one of the seven Dutch vessels, interviewed at PaddingtOD, aaid we had picked up about the western approach cf the Channel, the crew of a Norwegian vessel when a submarine approached. Apparently only one of our ships noticed her and stopped. The others proceeded. The submarine then fired anjaerial torpedo and nearly hit us. Afterwards gunshots were fired overhead until we all stopped. -• The submarine came to each ship, saying we must take to the boats within five minutes as he was goiDg to sink us, because we-were in English waters. We had haidly time to leave the ship before the submarine commenced its work.

All the crews were picked up, after several hours by trawlers, and landed. .