REPORT OF MINE ADRIFT.

Taihape Daily Times, 21 May 1918, Page 6

REPORT OF MINE ADRIFT.

INCIDENT IN TASMAN SEA. j The Sydney Shipping List states j that while on a voyage between New Zealand and Sydney recently with a cargo of timber, a steamer sighted a black object. In view of the finding of mines off the New South WaTes coast, suspicion was aroused, and it was decided to make a closer inspection. The vessel's course was altered accordingly, and whe# close enough the spherical body and protruding horns of a mine were plainly seen. The officers of the steamer were puzzled to know what to do. If they abandoned the mine there was the chance of another vessel finding it — with disastrous consequences —before the locality coulid be reported to the authorities.

Soon a plan of action was decided upon. With the greatest cautio steamer was manoeuvred towards the deadly engine till it was a few fathoms to leeward. A bowline was made in a line, and the bight was thrown ! round the mine, which was droppeC astern. A rifle and ammunition were produced, and a marksman proceeded to shoot at the tow, with the object of hitting one of the horns and exploding it. Owing to there being a slight sea running at the time, the shooting was unsuccessful, though the 'body of the mine, it is thought, was hit once or twice. At length ammunition for the rifle gave out, and, as another steamer was in the offing, signals j were made, asking for ammunition and explaining the situation. The vessel thus appealed to, also a New Zealand trader, evidently did n~t comprehend the message, for, signalling a compliment in reply, she held he/ course and was soon hull down. As darkness came on, the mine, which w- towing '"' through the choppy a? vapidly-riu:* g sea, broke ad.'irt, and disappeared astern.