ON THE SEA.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1917, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

AUSTRIAN CRUISERS ATTACK DRIFTERS. A PUTJOKY FIGHT. AT VERS GREAT ODDS. Received July 27, 750 p.m. London. July 26. The Press Bureau reports' that three Austrian cruiser* on May 15 attacked 48 P'ritish drifters, which were watching the anti-submarine nets in the Otranto Straits. "The drifters carried crews of ten and a small gun. One Austrian cruiser showed chivalry, by blowing blasts on her siren and dipping her ikg, indicating that the drifters must be abandoned. The cruiser approached within a hundred yards of one drifter, which it hailed and ordered the crew to take to the boats. The skipper ordered full speed ahead, called the crew, who gave three cheers and manned the gun, firing until a shell from the cruiser disjabled the gun. Meantime the cruiser passed out of range. The other drifters showed a spirit of indomitable gallantry. Three drifters were not abandoned until ; they foundered. The crews of the others ; refuaed to abandon the vessels, although outranged and suffering from a broadside, and brought thein through the action. The wireless operators showed conspicuous bravery in remaining at their posts.

A GOOD HAUL (BY BRITISH. Received July 27, 5S p.m. Amsterdam, July 20. It is reported that the Nprderney was accompanied by lour other German steamers, whereof the British seized two and sank two. [The Norderney, a German coal-laden vessel, was torpedoed while proceeding from Rotterdam to Copenhagen.] ■. ■ "