SUBMARINE DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1931, Page 6

SUBMARINE DISASTER

VESSEL SUNK FROM SURFACE ESCAPE APPARATUS SAVES MANY. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June if). By means of a- grapnel, searchers on Tuesday night located near Wei hitm en the sunken British submarine “Poseidon,” which was struck by* the Chinese steamer Yuta '.935 tuns), and sunk Latest advices received by the Ad miralty state that the Poseidon was sunk in a collison whilst operating 01, the surface in lull buoyancy. The ves sel was holed starboard forward ot the conning tower and sank by the. bow in about two minutes. A Hong Kong press message states that the collision occurred in a dense fog. Hix men had extremely fortunate escapes by the use of the submarine escape apparatus. The efficiency with which this works is indicated by the fact that two men came to the surface 2,'j hours and four. 3| hours after the collision. Apparently they liad somehow managed to free tln-mselves from the terrible position down below.

The majority of the crew were able to escape by the conning tower batch Divers are now working in from 115 to 120 foot.

The new submarine escape apparatus referred to is the invention of a London man R. J. Davis. In appearance it resembles a lifebelt with a gasmask attached. It is twelve months since the apparatus was served out as part of the equipment for submarine crews. Each man served is fully trained in its use. This is the first time disaster has befallen a submarine equipped with this apparatus. The breathing hag to which a small cylinder of compressed oxygen is attached is strapped on the chest and acts as a lifebuoy. It is stated that bubbles were seen coming from the wreck when she was located. It is impossible to state ;i! present, whether any real hope run be entertained for saving tlie men below. There is a faint hope that they may he in an airtight compartment but the suddenness of the collision does not encourage that hope.

Air Alexander -. r list .Lord of the Admiralty), in a .statement 111 the Commons, said: The Cotmmuider-in-Chiei in China, who proceeded to Weiliahvoi, reported that Hie total number now saved and alive was live officers and 30 men. Two more ratings who came Lo the surlace died, and IS rating ai\ missing. All the survivors were picked up by the Yuta shortly alter the collision, with toe exception of six ratings, who escaped from the wreck b v means of the escape apparatus. Ot these, two .subsequently died, and one •is in a critical condition. These men were in the fire compartment of the submarine when it sank. He was sure that all members of the Commons would wish to associate themselves with tile message of heartfelt sympathy which the Admiralty bad sent to the 1 datives. NO SICNAL RECEIVED. FROM THE SUNKEN VESSEL. HONG KONG, June 11. The Naval authorities deny the report that- signals have boon received from a man trapped in the submarine Poseidon. The authorities state there has boon no response to the diver’s tapping and that dramatic rescues are extremelv unlikely.