UNSUCCESSFUL

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1932, Page 5

UNSUCCESSFUL

SEARCH FOR SUBMARINE.

NOW NO HOPE OF RESCUE

[United Press Association.—By Electrn i elegraph. —Copyright. J

LONDON, Jan. 28,

The search for Submaiiue “M2” which, with 52 men aboard, disappeared in the vicinity of Portland Dill, uas continued unsuccess! ally. The search has been shifted from the obstruction that was discovered on

Tuesday, to the spot where Captain Howard saw the submarine disappear, hut iiope has now been abandoned, as the oxygen will be exhausted. Diving continued all night, but an undercurrent prevented the divers reaching the located obstacle. The chances of ever locating M2 are becoming less, with increasing seas, a strong current, and thick misthampering the clivers and airmen.!-., . r The shipper of the schooner Crown of Denmark, has informed the Admiralty that he saw, at 1.40 o’clock on Tuesday, in Lyme Bay, sixteen miles southeast of Lyme Regis, , a sudden bright light which reappeared brighter and disappeared. There were two loud explosions, ten minutes afterwards;

The Rear-Admiral commanding the search, reported, at G.-lO a,in,: The possibility of Saving lives is almost hopeless. We have temporarily abmdoned operations on the obstruction discovered on January 26th. The Sweep is continually slipping, preventing the divers reaching the other obstruction, found yesterday, but may be successful next tide. A further search to-day revealed an obstruction, six miles off Portland Bill. Divers have been to the bottom, nearby, but thus far have not reached the obstruction. Operations continue.” The last-named obstruction refers to a discovery, following seaplanes reporting a quantity of oil. The destroyer Sabre dropped anchor in the neighbourhood, resulting in the further oil coming to the surface, suggesting that tiie occupants of the sumbarine, hearing the anchor, might have released oil to indicate their whereabouts, although it is realised that tlie anchor might it is realised that other obstacle. Three divers fruitlessly made an effort to reach the obstruction. An Admiralty communique, in connection with the reported lights and explosions, contrasts the difference of eight hours between the time thereof and the Tynesider’s report. The communique adds that the light and explosion are both unaccountable.

HOPE GIVEN UP. OP LM 2 PERSONNEL. LONDON, January 29. Tlhe Ailmh-aliy has announced that the deaths m At 2 personnel must now be presumed. The .latest obstruction found proved to be ,'an old wreck, but the search is continuing. The King sent a message of sympathy to the relatives.