Sensational Torpedo Practice

Manawatu Herald, 23 July 1903, Page 2

Sensational Torpedo Practice

M.M.S. WALLAROO STRUCK BY

PROJECTILES.

A sensational incident occurred while the vessels of the Australian squadron were at torpedo practice at Jervois Bay, Sydney, on Saturday. The naval authorities are very reticent, but from what little information is available, it appears that the flagship Royal Arthur, 'while steaming past the Wallaroo, fired several practice torpedoes at a target which the Wallaroo Was dragging three hundred yards behind her. Two shots from the flagship's starboard tube struck the Wallaroo. One hit the vessel near her port propeller, denting the outer plating. The second torpedo did more serious damage. It bit an unprotected spot over the fresh-water tank. Luckily the tank was full, thus preventing any inrush of water. The outer plating was broken, a

hole several inches sqaara being made. The heads of both the mil-., ailes were crumpled up by the collision. Mats were placed over the hole, which was subsequently plugged with wooden wedges. The Wallaroo the other vessels to Sydney, wheojßrhe is to be docked. An inquiry will be held into the affair. An examination will also be made of the Royal Arthur’s torpedo tube, which, it .is suggested, is defective. Up to the time of the accident, however, her shooting had been very accurate. Practice torpedoes are not charged, and are fitted with dummy heads. It is stated that only the outec. part of the Wallaroo was damaged, and that after examination by a diver and the damage being attended to practice was continued.