SALVAGE EFFORTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 November 1940, Page 6

SALVAGE EFFORTS

MADE BY THE ITALIANS AT TARANTO THREE BATTLESHIPS CRIPPLED ONE APPARENTLY ABANDONED. WITH CRUISERS AND OTHER CRAFT. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. Noon). RUGBY, November 15. “A further reconnaissance of the Italian naval base at Taranto has established with certainty that three battleships were crippled during the attack by the Fleet Air Arm on the night of November 11.” states an Admiralty communique. “Efforts are being made to salvage the battleship of the Littorio class (35.000 tons) which previously was seen to have its forecastle under water and a heavy list to starboard: Auxiliary and salvage vessels are lying alongside on both sides of the ship, and nets have been laid all round for her protection. Pumping is in progress. The bows of the ship have been raised. She now has a list to port. “The reconnaissance confirmed that two battleships of the Cavour class are aground. One is beached and an auxiliary vessel is lying alongside. Nets have been laid all around for the protection of the ship. A second Cavour class battleship appears to have been abandoned. She is lying, heeled over to starboard, with only the forward part of her upper works above water. The pilot of one of the reconnaissance aircraft has reported that lour ships can be seen under the water, oil' the entrance to the graving dock in the inner haroour.” __