BLIND ASCENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1939, Page 5

BLIND ASCENT

RISK TAKEN BV CAPTAIN ORAM IN HOPE OF ATTRACTING RESCUE. destroyer found standing BY. LONDON, June 4. A seaman on the spot when Captain Oram was picked up said that he risked his life to discover whether help was available. He did not escape as a result of a signal from the' surface, but by making a blind ascent, prepared to float indefinitely in the hope of attracting passing vessels. He was greatly surprised to discover the Brazen standing by. The destroyer then dropped explosives in the water, which Captain Oram had told the remainder on the submarine he would arrange as a signal to proceed with the evacuation. It seemed certain that the escape doors jammed after the fourth man came out. Hawsers have been placed under the submarine, and it is hoped to raise her on Tuesday. Rear-Admiral Fraser, third Lord of the Admiralty, has gone to the scene. Today divers descended at 6 a.m,, when there was slack water, and surveyed the submarine’s position, after which salvage work was resumed. Earlier this morning the Admiralty announced that divers reported faint tappings from the submarine at 2 a.m., indicating that there was still life aboard. The Admiralty gave an assurance at 3.30 a.m. today that the efforts would not be slackened while the tide was favourable. The salvage crew was concentrating on lifting the stern again, realising that the most urgent task was to pump in fresh air and revive any still alive. DEATH ROLL OF 99 PROGRESS OF THE SALVAGE WORK. NAVAL CRAFT TO ASSIST. LONDON. June 4. The Thetis death roll is 99. The Admiralty has issued a statement that the salvage work is proceeding but it may be some time before the vessel is brought to the surface. Cammell Laird and Co. are henceforth responsible, but his Majesty’s diving school tender, Tedworth. and the minesweepers Hebe and Seagull, will stand by to render all assistance and advice required. , SYMPATHY ABROAD GROWING INDIGNATION IN ENGLAND. (Independent Cable Service.) LONDON, June 4. The Sunday Press registers the public’s astonishment, disquiet and growing indignation over the Thetis disas- ‘ ter. It is oven alleged that men’s lives were recklessly risked because certain measures which might have saved them were delayed in an attempt to save the shin. The New York Press states that America is shocked deeply over the loss of the men aboard the Thetis, which followed so closely upon the tragedy of the Squalus. The German newspapers sympathise with the relatives of the crew of the Thetis. The "Boerscn Zeitung” states: ‘‘Germany’s sympathy lies in the admiration Germans always have had for a sailor who fearlessly looks death in The face.”