ON THE SEA

Taranaki Daily News, 1 October 1915, Page 5

ON THE SEA

LOSS OF ITALIAN BATTLESHIP. BLOWN UP AT BRINDISI. Paris, Sept. 29. The Italian battleship Benedetto Brin has been blown up at Brindisi, and Admiral de Cervin killed. There were 387 saved. ,(The Benedetto Brin was a 13,400-ton vessel, built in 1904. She had a speed of 20 knots, and carried four 12in., four Sin., and twelve 6in. guns.) THE DISASTER ACCIDENTAL. STRICT INQUIRY TO BE MADE. Received Sept. 30, 10.30 p.m. Rome, Sept. 30. The Benedetto Brin was accidentally blown up in the harbor. The crew numbered 720, and only eight officers were saved. The explosion occurred in the after magazine. It is announced that there is no question of a foreign agent being concerned in the disaster. It is expected the disaster will hasten the appointment of a new Minister of Marine. Signor Salandra (the Prime Minister) telegraphed to the Duke of Abruzzi commanding the fleet, suggesting that he immediately ascertain the causes of the disaster, seeking those responsible for it without regard to persons, and thus, to reassure the country regarding the navy, which welcomes the enemy's blows, but not the immense dangers arising, pefhaps, from negligence and slackness, which must be revealed and punished, VESSEL NOT SUNK. Received Sept. 30, 11.55 p.m. Rom'e, Sept. 30. It is believed that the Benedetto Brin explosion was due to an electrical short circuit. The vessel was severely damaged, but was not sunk.