Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-10-24

Hull. England, Oct pa. NJ. jack
son < CO.. solicitors for the owners of
! so Hull fishing boats, have notified the
foreign office and admiralty of an at
tack on the Hull fishing fleet, by the
Russian Pacific squadron commanded
; by Vice Admiral Rojest vensky, and
; commonly designated as the Baltic
, squadron.
The official information is that short
ly after Midnight. Friday, the Russian
squadron ftll in with the Hull fishing
fleet in the North sea. The first por-
ton 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 ira wler Crane was sunk
and the decapitatcd bodies of her
skipper and mate have been brought to
Hull. The boatswain and other men,
bers of the crew, who are understood to
be seriously injured, are on board a
mission ship. The only slightly injured
members of the crew have arrived at
Hull.
The steam trawlers Moulmein and
| Mini have arrived at Hull seriously
damaged by shots, the latter having 16
holes in her hull. 1t is feared that 9TH
er damage was done 10 trawlers and
that at least one more trawler was
f, lost with all hands.
! According to other reports the affair
occurred go miles Off Spurn Head. The
Russian ships We're steaming in line.
The leading ships passed without in
cident, though most Of the vessels
/ turned starchlights on the trawers
long CROUCH 10 prevent any mistake
as to identity. After the bulk of the
squadron passed it opened fire, every
shin participating in the fire.
/ The Crane was struck below the Wa
ter line and raked above deck. Skip
per Smith and Third Hand Leggott
had Tho il heads carried clean away by
IL shot. many of the crew being serious
ly wounded. Another traWler also was
sunk. but the Sea Gull which brought
the news to Hull, has no particulars as
to her fate.
The news has created an intense
sensation and indignation III Hull. The
Moulmein arrived with her flag at
half-mast. Her skipper states that
the trawlers We're fishing about 200
miles east by north of Spurn Head at
o'clock Saturday morning, the
weather being haZy. when the outlines
OF several vessels. apparently war;
ships sailing in a line, We're dimly
seen.
Whilst the crews were watching the
warships. searchiights were flashed
upon them. in the glare of which the
a 80 what fhay 1
took to be torpedo boats approaching, |
apparently with the intention of board !
ing the Moulmein.
They steamed away, however, and |
soon the fishermen We're Mortified 10 |
find they We're being fired upon. First |
one ana then another trawler was !
struck by flying shots. What seemed |
to be a round shot. went through the
Mounlen's galley.
The Mimic. laying nearby. also was
struck with many shots, but Fortunate
~ the damage was above the water
line and none of her crew was struck.
The bombardment lasted about 20
minutes. When it had ceased the
fleet sailed southwark, and some Of
the trawlers sent up rockets.
The Moulmein steered in the direc-
ton of the rockets. Soon cries were
heard and the Crane was found sink
ing with another trawler taking off
some of her crew.
Those seriously injured We're re-
moved TO a mission ship and the bodies
of Smith and Leggott were placed
aboard the Moulmein. The other men
with minor injuries were put aboard
C,,l I'll, Iotc
hour had not arrived at Hull.
Crowds have gathered around the
dock. but no further information is
available.
: Representatives Of the fishing feet
started. late tonight. for London to
consult with the authorities there.
No motive can be assigned for the
extraordinary action of the warships.
THE BALTIC FLEET