HOPES OF RESCUE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20821, 3 June 1939, Page 7

HOPES OF RESCUE

ALL THE MEN ALIVE TWO OFFICERS ESCAPE PICKED UP BY DESTROYERS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright, LONDON, June 2 The new British submarine Thetis, which failed to return to the surface after submerging during trials west of Liverpool early yesterday afternoon, was located this morning by the destroyer Brazes 14 miles northwest ol' Great Orme’s Head and about 41 miles west of the mouth of the Mersey. This announcement was made by the Admiralty, which stated that the submarine’s stern was standing 18ft out of the water (she is 265 ft in length). All on board the Thetis are reported to be alive, but there is no official news whether the 77 still on board are trapped or not. Captain H. B. Oram, officer commanding the Fifth Submarine Flotilla, and Lieutenant F. G. Woods, \yho w r ere on board the submarine, escaped at 8.15 this morning by means of the Davis apparatus and were picked up by the Brazen. They reported that all the crew were safe, and the relatives, most of whom had waited at Cammell Laird’s dockyard all night, were profoundly relieved.

Captain Oram was commander of the submarine LI2, which collided with H 47 off the Pembrokeshire coast in 1929, resulting in the loss of 24 of the crew of H 47. More Men Rescued A later message states that Leading Stoker Arnold and one of Cammell Laird’s experts, Mr F. Shaw, came to the surface at 10 a.m. and were picked up by the Brazen. They reported all well. The Admiralty announces that there is every hope of getting the others out by means of the Davis apparatus. Captain Oram escap'ed in order to direct the salvage work and make a full report on the* condition of the submarine.

Vessels to the Rescue The submarines Cachalot and Porpoise proceeded to the scene of the accident to the Thetis, carrying powerful air-compressing plant to*assist in the salvage work. At least 25 warships steamed at full speed for the area, and those already there kept their searchlights going all night in case men should escape by the Davis apparatus. The Admiralty issued at 3 a.m. today a list of i 0 naval officers and 48 ratings aboard the Thetis. This number included five officers above the complement, these being submarine experts. There are also on board 20 members of 1 lie staff of Cammell, Laird and Company, and a pilot, making a total of 79. Officers on Board The extra officers on board the Thetis, which is commanded by Lieu-tenant-Commander G. H. Bolus, were Lieutenants H. Chapman, W, A. Poland and F. G. Woods, Commissioned Engineer R. D. Glen, and Captain H. B. Oram, in command of the Fifth Submarine Flotilla. Captain Oram and Lieutenant Woods, however, escaped, and were picked up by H.M.S. Brazen. The Press Association’s naval correspondent states that it is believed that with her extra complement the Thetis has sufficient air to remain submerged for 36 hours. Tt is known there are several wrecks in the vicinity of the spot where the Thetis dived.