THE SUBMARINE DISASTER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 42, 30 May 1910, Page 5

THE SUBMARINE DISASTER.

HOPES FOR THE CREW. THE PLUVOISE NOT YET LOCATED. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Paris, May 27. Since the disasters to the Farfadet and Lutin the French submarines have been fitted with buckles, and it is suggested that the Pas de Calais shouid ■have immediately attached a hawse:- I'. the buckle to prevent the boat from sinking. Vice-Admiral Boue de k Peyere, the Minister for Marine, who has personally investigated the disaster, states that the Pluvoise rose to the surface, but owing to the commander's supreme but fruitless efforts to right the vessel, which was falling rapidly, it was impossible that the crew can now >be alive.

A strong current was running parallel to the coast, and carried the submarine within a mile of the steamer's daJly (track.

The currents are still impeding the divers, and, moreover, the Pas de Calais' tngs are not powerful enough for the work. The arrival of tugs from Cheribourg is being awaited. The tetest descents of the divers failed to locate the Pluvoise owing to the strong currents. London, May 27. King George has sent President Fallieres~a message of sympathy in the disaster to the Pluvoise. The commander of the steamer Pas de Calais states (that he saw the periscope of the submarine five yards ahead of Mm. He reversed his engines and altered ins course 'without avaiL The movements of the Pluvoise Bhowed that her crew were endeavoring to get the vessel on a level keel. One diver affirms that he heard knocking. He believes the crew are within a •watertight compartment in which is air sufficient for thirty hours. The newspapers are publishing the full text from Japanese newspapers of a letter written by the lieutenant of a Japanese submarine which sank during manoeuvres recently.

THE KNOCKING DENIED, - NARROW ESCAPE OF ANOTHER SUBMARINE. Received May 29, 5 p.m. Paris, May 28. An emphatic denial is given to the statement that the crew of the Pluvoise answered the knocking, or 'that calls for help were heard. The submarine Circe, while 'operating off Toulon and rising to ( the surface, narrowly escaped being cut' in halves by the guardship Admiral Trehouart.