CAPTAIN KILLED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20921, 28 September 1939, Page 7

CAPTAIN KILLED

PASSENGERS IN PANIC SINKING OF BRITISH STEAMER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Sept. 26 The British freighter Browning has arrived at Bahia, Brazil, with 32 survivors of the British steamer Royal Sceptre, which was sunk by a submarine on September 7. The survivors said the only missing member of the ship’s company was the master, Captain J. W. Gair, who was killed by the torpedo explosion. They stated that the submarine hailed the Royal Sceptre, but Captain Gair refused to stop and the ship was immediately torpedoed, splinters from the explosion killing the captain and wounding nine men, some of whom were seriously hurt and are at present in hospital in Bahia. The crew took to the boats and later were picked up by the Browning, while the submarine stood by. Rush for Boats Passengers on board the Browning are reported to have been seized by panic at the sight of the U-boat, and to have put on lifebelts and rushed for the boats. The submarine commander is said to have pacified them by an assurance that he would not torpedo the ship, and to have ordered the Browning to pick up the Royal Sceptre’s crew and proceed to Brazil.

According to Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, the Browning, a Lamport and Holt freighter of 5332 tons, has no accommodation for passengers.