CALL FOR HELP

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 November 1939, Page 5

CALL FOR HELP

BRITISH STEAMER ATTACKED OFF AMERICAN COAST. NO TRACE OF SURVIVORS FOUND. By telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON. November 1. Following on the receipt of a distress signal: “Help, sighted submarine!” from the British cargo steamer Coulmore. which was then silent, the Coastguard announced that the cutter Bibb had reached the vessel’s reported position, but had found no sign either of the Coulmore or of survivors. The Bibb reported that there was a moderate southerly gale and that she was continuing her search northwards, in very -heavy seas, She expects soon to make contact with a flying-boat from New York and another plane is en route, as well as four other cutters and two merchantmen. There was a serious storm in the area yesterday and earlier today a forty-mile-an-hour wind continued, thus making conditions perilous for any survivors in lifeboats. The Coulmore’s distress, position is a hundred miles within the conference neutrality’ zone. It is reliably staled in Washington that if the Coulmore was attacked, the United States will immediately consult the other American republics concerning steps to be taken, which might possibly result in a protest to Germany, either individually or : collectively. The White House said the cutters were instructed only to rescue survivors and gather information, which is interpreted as meaning that they will not hunt the submarine or raider. It is reported from Baltimore that the wife of the master. Captain Ernest Davies, is aboard the Coulmore.

FATE OF BRONTE ATTEMPTED SALVAGE FAILS. (Received This Dav. 10.10 a.m.) LONDON. November 1. The steamer Bronte, sunk in the Atlantic by a submarine several days ago, remained afloat for a considerable time, but the efforts of another ship to tow her to port failed. Forty members of the crew and one passenger were rescued and landed at a British port. REPORT CONFIRMED / —■ (Received This Day, 10.55 a.m.) NEW YORK. November 1. The "New York Times" Bermuda correspondent says the Admiralty confirms the report that a submarine attacked a tramp steamer off Nova Scotia. Details have not been disclosed.