COPY.
CONFIDENTIAL
165
From
...
To
Commanding Officer, H.M.S.Somme, 8th Flotilla.
Commodore, Hong Kong.
Dated 30th May, 1928. At.. Hong Kong. No.K07/107
..
Subject... Piracy of s.s.TEAN
action taken by H.M.S.Somme.
-
Proceedings and
Submitted,
About 1100 on 28th May, 1928, I was anchored
about midway between the northern end of Bate Island (Bias Bay) and Thornton Rock, 1.4 miles 293 degrees from Bias Point, carrying out duty in accordance with Hong Kong
Operation Order No.4. The weather was squally and
visibility was limited.
I observed a steamer steering approximately northwestward, distant about 7 miles bearing about 220
degs. I ordered steam immediately and hove in cable, as
the ship appeared to be entering the western side of Bias Bay: I was under way at 1118 and proceeded with despatch to investigate. By this time the strange ship appeared
to have stopped. On closing the ship at 1135, she proved to be the s.s. TEAN: her captain informed me that his ship had been pirated in Hoihow anchorage, and that the pirates (to the number of about 40) had landed in two of her life- boats, taking as hostages the First and Second Officers (British), Chinese crews of the lifeboats and seven
Chinese passengers. s.s.TEAN was at this time anchored
about 2 miles northeastward of TEYI Point. The Captain
also stated that the pirates had left the ship as soon as possible after H.M.S. Somme had been sighted, the TEAN having rounded Single Island and entered Bias Bay east of
TUNI ANG Island.
About 1140 the Chinese Customs Cruiser "YEUNG
SHING" arrived from SAMUN Road via the northern end of TUNI ANG Island. I communicated with her Commander,