SUBMARINES IN A STORM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 306, 22 December 1908, Page 4

SUBMARINES IN A STORM.

A TEIUUBLE TRIP. NEW YOKK, October 14. Battered and halt" sinking with their crews exhausted, the four I'nitcd States submarines, Viper, Cuttlefish, Octopus, and Taraatula, arrived on Monday at Philadelphia after a terrible four-day trip from New York. The distance is only 250 miles, and the Navy Department did not expect it would consume more tlnnt «-0 or hours, ami preparations had only been made for this length of time. The submarines, however, were caught in a severe storm just after leaving N'ew York, and the crews had the worst experience of their lives. The water entered the vessels, and, Hooding the storage batteries, filled the little crafts | 1 with poisonous fumes which nearly over i I powered the crews. The Viper had the worst experience in this respect, and was practically in a sinking condition when assistance reached her. The crew of six were found to be almost dead from exhaustion from the foul air. Added to this their food supplies, which had been provided for a short voyage only, gave out, and for over 40 hours the men had had nothing to eat. The (ioverument ordered the crews not to divulge the details of their hardships, but the men were so enraged that they told their story far and wide, with the result that the Navy Department will make an investigation into the matter, with especial reference to the un-dvr-pYovivioning of the submarines.