Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1918-07-25
San Diego, Former Pacific Flag
Ship, Sunk by Explosion
Near Atlantic Pert.
NOT SURE If TORPEDOED
Four Hundred Forty.seven OFFICERS
and Men So Far Reported Saved
Stricken Cruiser Sank In
SO Minutes.

Survivors Of the o. s. Cruiser San
Diego, sunk ten miles off Fire Island
shortly before noon yesterday, de-
clared early this morning that many
members Of engine room crew must
have been killed by the explosion,
which wrecked the warship. They
were uncertain whether the vessel was
sunk from torpedo, from a subma-
rine or by a mine. The cruiser re.
manned afloat SO minutes after she
was struck.
The torpedo or mine struck the ship
just aft of amidships, blowing up the
boilers. One Of the sailors declared
the guns of the cruisers were fred at
what appeared to be periscope. The
survivors who landed here numbered
IS, including six officers. The captain
and first officer Of the San Diego were
the. last to leave the sinking cruiser.
Think Sea Battle RACES
Heavy explosions heard here late
yesterday were believed to indicate
that some Of the patrol boats which
dashed to the aid of the cruiser had
met a German submarine and were
giving battle. The explosions contin-
ued until after 8 o'clock tonight and
mariners living here declared they
sounded as Il depth bombs were being
dropped.
Tank Steamer Attacked.
Several barrels Of crude oil, one Of
them badly charred, hoated ashore
near here and this was believed to
indicate the possibility that tank
steamship also had been sunk.
Steamer Signals Distress.
An Atlantic Port. July 20.-The
coastwise steamer report In marine
circles yesterday afternoon as having
sent out wireless signals Of distress
because of a submarine attack had
among her passengers detachment
of marine recruits. She carried Q
large quantity of freight.
Coast Guards See Sub.
New York, July 20.-Coast guard
patrols at Fire Island sighted a sub
marine of shore between 10 and 10 80
o'clock this morning, according to
seemingly reliable reports received in
Bay Shore. An hou rlater heavy firing
was heard.
Say 416 Men Saved.
Washington, July 20.-The navy de-
partment early this morning received
information that two steamships
which are proceeding to an unnamed
port have aboard 416 officers and men
Of the U. s. Cruiser San Diego. These
are in addition to the one officer and
80 men previously reported landed
The. men are said to be in good con
dition and SO far as known none was
injured.
The vessel was not regarded seri
GUS military loss. II she was victim
Of enemy submarines 1t is obvious
the U-boats are in the transpor
lanes and close to the entrance o.
New York harbor, for the San Diegt
went down ten miles southeast O
Fire Island.
Until the statements Of survivor,
definitely established the vessel wa
sunk by torpedo there will be I
possibility that she struck drifting
defense or was sent down by acci
dental internal explosions or other
wise.
Served as Flagship.
The San Diego served for years a
flagship of the Pacific fleet and sh
and similar craft have been foun'
very valuable in connection with con
voy work, although classified as 0
limited military value for ordinar
naval operations.