Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1916-10-12
GERMAN SUBMARINES SINK
NINE SHIPS, TWO NEUTRAL,
OFF NEW ENGLAND COAST
Shock Follows Sensation.


orally charged with electricity as
wireless messages of warnings were
broadcasted along the coast. The
submarine or submarines had taken
position directly in the steamer
lanes. where they could hardly miss
anything bound in for New York or
bound east from that port.
Vessels OF the Entente Allied Ma
tions and neutral bottoms carrying
contraband of war scurried to get
within the three-mile limit of the
American shore. Several that were
following the outside course shifted
and made for the inside lane The
Stephano of the Red Cross line. how
ever, was caught outside the neutral
zone. The destruction of this vessel
was perhaps the biggest prize OF the
day. The craft had been sold to the
Russian Government and would have
been used as an icebreaker after her
present trip.
Throughout the day and up to late
at night none OF the patrolling feet
maintained by the British and French
to protect their own shipping and
American ships carrying munitions
OF war had been sighted. Frantic
appeals were sent to Halifax
Stirs Up Halifax.
"All steps possible in the circum-
stances are being taken to deal with
the situation"
This message was received by the
Associated Press from the commander
in-chicf OF the British North Atlantic
squadron at Halifax. N s. 1t was in
reply to a request for statement by
him. The work OF the patrolling
fleets was directed from Halifax and
ever since the war began cruisers and
auxiliary vessels of the British and
French navies have moved UP and
down the coast. The passengers and
crews OF destroyed vessels who were
being brought into Newport were not
expected to reach there until after
midnight
Preparations to care for them had
been made by Rear Admiral Knight,
commandant OF the Nartangansett Bay
naval station, and Rear Admiral
Gleaves. commander of the destroyer
fotilla now at Newport.
Later reports gave further details
Of the attacks. The Stephano met n
submarine six miles southeast OF
Nantucket lightship and was attacked
by gunhre and torpedo. She re-
mained afioat until 1905 o'clock.
The West Point went down 10 miles
south OF the Nantucket lghtship The
Strathdene was attacked "off light.
ship" the reports stated and the
Bloomersiidk was sunk three miles
south of the lightship. She remained
afloat some time going down at sos
The American steamer Kansan was
held up three meils east OF Nantucket
lightship.
West Point Gave Warning.
The first wireless warning OF the
presence OF hostile submarine in the
steamship lane was given in the dis
lress signals OF the West Point which
reported that she had been torpedoed
20 miles southeast of Nantucket light
ihis message apparently was picked
Up by every vessel having a wireless
Equipment within range for within a
'ery short time press dispatches from
81 johns, n. F., and Halifax N. s..
Indicated that the patrolling warships
lad received the alarm. The British
censorship however prevented the
disclosure OF the movements OF the
patrolling vessels.
Booming of Guns Heard.
The booming of the submarines
Guns, apparently fred in warning
was distinctly heart at Nantucket II
was plain that the submarine had
placed herself in the lane of passen-
ger and freight traffic and terrorized
shipping along the coast.
In fash after the first distress
signals of the West Point were sent
wireless messages OF warming were
sent broadcast
Every vessel was warned to make
for the three-mile zone and the com.
manders OF merchant vessels Of the
Entente Allies lost no time In sbjet.
ing their course.
Those that were following what IS
known as the outside course turned
TO the inside course that would bring
them closer to American land.
The passenger steamer Stephano.
which plies regularly between New
York and St Johns. y. T.. was bound
west and was due of Nantucket Mon
day morning. When her British com.
mander received his warning. he was
said to have shifted his course 10
bring HIS vessel within the inside
lane.
British consular officers along the
New England Coast, who had been
advised by the British Embassay to
warn British shipping against the u
5S upon her appearance at Newport.
renewed their caution on learning
that the submarine had gone into
action.