In a Submarine.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 207, 5 September 1904, Page 4

In a Submarine.

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE OF A FRENCH CREW. There is a thrilling story in the London Express of the adventure o( a French submarine of the Mors type, while carrying out manoeuvres in the neighbourhood of Havre. The little vessel entered the estuary of the Seine and proceeded some dis- ' tance up the river. Then "an attempt was made to bring it to the surface, but it failed to rise. The fact that the specific gravity of fresh water was less than that of sea water had been overlooked, and for a moment tliere was consternation aboawl, as the atmosphere had become very oppressive. For twenty minutes efforts were made to bring the boat to the surface, but without avail, and the position became inoro serious when several of the crew grew faint owing to the foulness of the air. To make matters worse, the submarine, instead of rising, showed signs of settling on tho river bed and becoming fixed there. The officer in command at length perceived the cause of the trouble, and made for the open sea at full speed. All the while the men, who were suffering considerably, behaved admirably. Shortly afterwards they had the satisfaction of noting that their position was improving, and that the boat was gradually rising as they entered the denser water, and finally they reached the surface. The crew were by this time almost overcome, but with the exception of three they quickly recovered on reaching the fresh air. The three mentioned were so ill that they had to lie removed to hospital for medical treatment.