LINER’S “S.O.S”

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1928, Page 2

LINER’S “S.O.S”

SOME WILD CONJECTURES

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copy right.)

LONDON, June 21

Tlie owners of the liner “Jervis Bay” (one of the Australian Commonwealth State-owned ships, recently sold to the Aberdeen Line), went home early this morning, content to believe that what was yesterday described as “the most amazing ‘S.O.S’ that the seven seas have ever known,” was either nu’seonstructed, or was a gigantic hoax. A more serious view, however, was held in other' quarters. The recent behaviour of the “Esperanto Bay’s” crew is recalled at great length. Neither the owners’ agent at Colombo, nor the Admiralty, were able throughout the night to add much information to the “Jervis Bay’s” original message, which a check up reveals to have read as follows:—“Having trouble with eight desperate stowaways. Is there any warship oil the track ? 1780 miles east, and forty-two miles north of Galle. Proceeding towards Colombo.”

The warship “Enterprise” replied: “No warship in neighbourhood. Report if situation serious.” Since these messages were, interchanged the liner’s wireless has become ominously silent. It is considered here that the reference to the liner’s position should read: “78 degrees east, 4 2 minutes north,” thus placing her about four hundred miles south-east of Galle.

Ono startling suggestion in Australian circles is that, in view of the recent ship’s Cooks’ Strike, desperate stowaways may mean that “armed Communists” were smuggled aboard the liner.

Another suggestion, however, accounting for the mutilation of the “5.0.5.” is that rougher elements in their first rush, may have overpowered the wireless operator and cut down the wireles halliards. It is recalled that the liner had a short-wave transmitter aboard for experimental direct communication with Australia throughout the voyage, and possibly the “5.0.5.” may have been sent out over this set by one of the wireless operators to amateur friends of the passengers. * -

The officials of the lino say that neither Captain Daniels nor Chief Officer Laycock are the typo of men to stand any nonsense from eight stowaways. The chief fear is that portion of the crew came under tile influence of stowaways, and happenings on the “Bias Bay” have shown how easily a handful of ruffians can by surprise of attack take command of a vessel, though the purpose of such a prank is inexplicable.

The authorities consider the general run of Australian seamen are too level headed to indulge in sabotage. The Admiralty does not expect the “Enterprise’s” captain to report the incident by cable. They say that the Governor of Ceylon, who lias a number of armed auxiliaries rut his disposal, will deal with the matter locallv.

MUTINY Oil JERVIS BAY. REQUEST FOR HELP, “deceived this .lav at 9.30 a.m.) COLOMBO, June 21. The warship Enterprise received a wireless at five this morning from the Jervis Bay, stating the mutineers are threatening to set the ship afire, and asking to send immediate assistance. Tiie passengers are alai-med and there is a constant guard by volunteer passengers. The steamer. is due at Colomb on Monday morning. CALCUTTA, June 21. A party of marines dispatched for Tricomalee to embark fuel on the auxiliary steamer Slavol were instructed to proceed to the Jervis Bay to escort her to Colombo. The naval authorities at Colombo are taking a serious view of the situation :(nd there is much activity in the naval intelligence office.

A later message from Colombo states all efforts to establish communication with the Jervis Bay failed. The agents bore fear the ship is entirely in the bands of the mutineers. SYDNEY, June 22. In regard to the Jervis Bay rumour, the maritime unions have disclaimed any knowledge of a sinister plot aboard in consequence of the sale of the Commonwealth line. The Jervis Bay has a large number of passengers.