The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-24
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%&%~<%%<~<%%%<% Hull, Eng, October 23.--A M. Jackson x Co.,, solicitors for the owners of fifty Hull fishing boats, have notified the for eign office and admiralty of an attack on the Hull fishing fleet by the Russian Pacific fleet, commonly known as the Baltic squadron Commanded by Vice Ad- miral Rojestvensky).
 The official information is that shortly after midnight Friday the Russian squad ron fell in with the Hull fishing fleet in the North sea. The first portion of the fishing fleet passed safely. Then the Russian ships turned their searchlights on the British vessels for some time and a little later opened fire. The steam trawler Crane was sunk and the decapi- tated bodies of her skipper and mate Messrs. Smith and Leggett, have been brought to Hull. The other members of the crew who are understood to be seri- ously wounded are on board a mission ship. The only slightly injured member of the crew has arrived at Hull.
 The steam trawlers Moulmein and Mino have arrived at Hull seriously damaged by shots. the latter having six teen holes in her hull It Is feared that other damage was done to the trawlers and that at least one more was lost with all hands
 Creates Intense Sensation.
 The news has created an intense sensa- ton and indignation in Hull The Moul- mein arrived with her flag at half-mast The skipper states that the trawlers were fishing about 22O miles east by north of Spurn Head at 1 o'clock Saturday morn Ing, the weather being hazy. when the outlines of several vessels ap- parently warships sailing in line were dimly seen. .ilst the crew were watching the warships sea .'tghts were flashed upon them, in the glare of which the Moulmein's crew observed what they took to be torpedo boats approaching, apparently with the intention of boarding the Moulmein They steamed away, however. and soon the fishermen were mortified to find they were being fired upon.
 Many of Them Are Struck.
 First one and then another trawler was struck by flying shot. What seemed to be a round shot went through the Moul- mein galleyy The Mino. lying nearby, also was struck with many shots, but fortunately the damage was above her water line and none of her crew was struck The bombardment lasted about twenty minutes. VI hen it had ceased the fleet sailed southward and some of the trawlers sent up rockets, The Moul- mein cteered m the direction of the rockets Soon cries were heard and the Crane was found sinking with another trawler taking off some of her crew. Those seriously wounded were removed
 t1,. of Sneifh and Leggett were placed aboard the Moulmein.
 The other men with minor injuries were put aboard the trawler, Sea Gull, which, at a late hour had not arrived at Hull.
 Crowds have gathered around the dock here. butt no further information is avail able.
 Representatives of the fishing fleet started late tonight for London to con suit with the authorities there.
 No motive can be assigned for the ex- traordinary procedure of the Russian warships.
 Turned on Searchlights.
 According to other reports the affair occurred 200 miles off Spurn Head. The Russian ships were steaming in line. The leading ships passed without incident though most of the vessels turned search lights on the trawlers long enough to pre- vent any mistake as to identity. After the bulk of the squadron had passed, it opened fire, nearly all participating in the firing. The Crane was struck below the water line and raked above deck. Skipper Smith and Third Hand Leggett had their heads carried clean away by a shot. many of the crew being seriously wounded. An other trawler also was sunk, but the Sea Gull which arrived later and brought the news, has no particulars as to her fate.
 Survivors Tell Story.
 The only survivor of the Crane who as vet reached here is J. A. Smith, son of the deceased skipper, and who, with the captains of the Moulmein and Mino is going to London to consult with the au- thorities Young Smith was asleep in his bunk when the firing awoke him.
 Just as he was getting up a shell struck the starboard side and precipitat- ed him to the forecastle, smashing lamp near which he was standing. He rushed on the deck when the searchlights re- vealed the horrible sight of his father and Ieggett lying headless. and the deck strewned with the injured. It was soon found that the vessel was sinking and signals for assistance were sent up. Smith and others concurred in the details of the firing that have already been given.
 From interviews with members of the crews of the fishing fleet it appears that the admiral of the fishing fleet burned green flares to show that they were harm less fishermen but the signals were ig- nored Eighteen men are here under treat ment One trawler. the Wren. is missing, and 1t is feared that she has been sunk. There were many distressing scenes at ! Hui during the night and day. relatives and frfande of the crews making inuuiries