ESCAPE FROM TORPEDO.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 5 October 1917, Page 3

ESCAPE FROM TORPEDO.

NEW ZEALAND TRADER. MISSED BY FIVE FEET. News has been received in Auckland that another New Zealand trader had a very narrow escape, from being torpedoed, the torpedo missing by five feet. The incident occurred on the afternoon of the day after the vessel left an English port on a voyage to Australia and New Zealand. A sharp look-out, was being kept for enemy submarines. This fact, coupled with the quick handling of the vessel, saved her from destruction. No submarine could be seen, but suddenly a long-range torpedo was seen approaching from the port quarter, making straight for the middle of the vessel. The vessel’s helm was quickly put hard a-port, and as her head swung to starboard, the torpedo passed the steamer’s stern, it is estimated, above sft. away. The steamer carried a gnu and a trained gun’s crew. As soon as the torpedo was noticed the gun’s crew rushed to the gun, and had it trained on the water where the submarine was expected to show itself, but it did not come to the surface, and no sign of a periscope could be seen. At the same time a wireless message was sent stating what had happened. The message was picked up by a British detsroyer, which could be seen on the horizon, The destroyer, on receipt of the message, raced towards the vessel all ready for action. It did not seem any time before she was alongside the attacked steamer. As no sign of the enemy could bo seen, the destroyer escorted the steamer for some time and then handed her over to another British-man-of-war. In this way she was escorted through the danger zone, and ultimately reached New Zealand safely .