SEA CAPTAIN'S STRATEGY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 16, 20 January 1915, Page 5

SEA CAPTAIN'S STRATEGY.

ESCAPE FROM A GERMAN CRUISER. The Pacific Steam Navigation Company's steamer Victoria., commanded by Comamnder V. E. Sperauza, R.N.R., when on a voyage from Panama to Valpariso j received (says the "Daily Mail") information, confirmed by wireless, that two German cruisers were waiting off the port of Mollendo to intercept and capture her. The captain of the Victoria, therefore, called up his own ship by wireless repeatedly until he was sure that all ships within a certain radius would also receive the message he was about to impart. The ship that was supposed to be calling up the Victoria was said to be the P , one of the Peruvian line steamers. After a time the Victoria answered, and asked what was wanted. The Hs . P——, said, "When are you leaving Chala?" Victoria replied: "Have already left Chala; sailed at 4 p.m. Am returning to Callao. My No. 1 hold is on fire, and cannot proceed on my voyage south. Inform Pacific Co. there to have salvage pumps ready on my arrival the day after to-morrow. Fire very serious." The Victoria continued her voyage to Mollendo, steaming without a single light showing. She arrived safely at Mollendo, while the German cruisers, which she had passed unseen, went on a wild goose chase northwards to try and intercept her.