STORY OF TRAGEDY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 286, 28 July 1932, Page 5

STORY OF TRAGEDY

(Press. Assn.-

CAPSIZED BY SQUALL

— By Telegraph — Copyright) .

Rec. July 27, 7.5 p.nx. BERLIN, Wednesday. A draxxiatic story of the sinking of tha Niobe was given by Captaixx Mueller of the boat Thei'esia which, after transferring the survivors to the cruiser Kolan, arrived at Holtenau lock early this morning. Captain Mueller said: "We sighted the Niobe at a distance of 800 yards at 2.30. At tha saxne tixne the D.O. X. passed us. The Niobe signalled: "Where liave you coma from and where are you going?" bnt the signal was visible for a few seconds, when it disapp'eared in a heavy squall which struck the Nioha . ' "The Niobe capsized at the starboard side," said Captain Mueller. "We proceeded at full speed to the spot and launehed two lifeboats. All the crew went in tharn, except the cook and myself. The Niobe sank in two or three xxiinutes. Only those on deck were saved, the rest being trapped below. Som-a remained at their posts before they were reseued. They had rid themselves of their clothing. All the officers were drowned except the captain. "I picked up 40 persons. I could do no rnore. Nothing could be seen except bubbles and oil." It is officially reported that 69 wex*e drowned. The search hy aeroplanes was unsuccessful.