CAPTAIN’S BRAVERY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20822, 5 June 1939, Page 7

CAPTAIN’S BRAVERY

RISKED LIFE FOR HELP BLIND ASCENT TO SURFACE THE ESCAPE DOORS JAM (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, June 4 A seaman who was on the spot when Captain 11. B. Oram, who was a passenger* in the submarine, was picked up, said Captain uram risked his life to discover whether help was available. lie did not escape as the result of a signal from the surface, but made a blind ascent, prepared to float indefinitely in the hope of attracting passing vessels Captain Uram had been greatly surprised lo discover the destroyer Brazen standing by. The destroyer then dropped explosives in ths water, which Captain Oram had told those in the submarine he would arrange as a signal to proceed with the evacuation. It seemed certain th >.t the escape doors had jammed after the fourth man came out at lu.io a.m. on Friday. It was estimated that the air supply would last those imprisoned until 1.40 a.m. on Saturday. Pumping in Fresh Air Divers descended at 6 a.m. on Saturday and surveyed the submarine's position, after which salvage efforts were resumed, the Admiralty giving an assurance at 8.30 that efforts would not be slackened while the tide was favourable. The salvage workers concentrated cn again lilting the stern, realising that the most urgent task was lo pump in fresh air to revive any who might be still alive. The limited time available between tides rendered impracticable the operation of cutting a hole in the stern of the vessel when it was showing V above water on Friday, says a British ofllcial wireless message. Attempts were continued on Saturday to get the submarine into a horizontal position with the aid of air-filled pontoons, with the ultimate object of beaching her. The submarine depot at Gosport telegraphed to Mrs Caroline Hole, whose husband, Wilfred Hole, is a stoker aboard the Thetis: “Regret to inform you that Stoker Hole is believed to have died while endeavouring to escape.” LATER The Chronicle says that rescue vessels reported that the fore part of the Thetis is flooded. Possibly Stoker Hole’s body jammed the escape hatch, preventing the exit of the others.