TIMES - 11.12.29
THE HAICHING PIRACY
OFFICIAL REPORT TO THE
ADMIRALTY
The following account of the attempt by pirates to seize the British steamer Haiching off the Chinese coast on Sunday, which has been received at the Admiralty from Vice-Admiral Sir Arthur Waistell, Commander-in-Chief, China Station, was issued yesterday :-
The attempted piracy occurred about 1.30 on Sunday morning. The pirates obtained access to the grille-protected area through a coal bunker in the boiler room. The stand-off engine guards were shot while asleep, and the pirates then attempted to rush the bridge. The shots raised the alarm, and all officers repaired to the bridge and countered the attack. Chief Officer R. Perry was wounded and Third Officer Woodward was killed while proceeding to the bridge. The Chinese wire- less operator states that immediate attempts to transmit S.O.S. failed owing to jamming by a shore wireless station and the subsequent break-down of the main set dynario.
The pirates, distracted by the determined resistance of Captain Farrow and his officers, having failed to take the bridge continued to fight, and later set fire to the cabin under the bridge. The pirates were driven aft and held at bay for some three hours. They endeavoured to escape in the ship's boats, using innocent passengers as a screen of fire, but the ship's officers prevented the lowering of the boats at this juncture.
The piracy was reported by the auxiliary wireless about 5.15 a.m. The patrol destroyer reached the Haiching at 6.30a.m. The ship was found stopped and seriously on fire. The ship's officers were in command, and the pirates were scattered aft mixed with the passengers. A boarding party was put on board. H.M.S. Sterling (Lieutenant-Commander E. W. Sim) took the ship in tow, while H.M.S. Sirdar (Lieutenant-Commander J. S. Crawford) lay alongside. About 350 Chinese passengers were removed to the destroyer. The seriously wounded remained on board. The European passengers, consisting of one man and five women, were unharmed, and performed good work among the wounded. The fire was got under control by 11 a.m.
The Haiching proceeded under her own steam, using hand steering, at noon. All the passengers were removed to shore by the police, who are holding detailed investigations. It was estimated that six pirates were killed, and it is hoped that the identity of others will be established by a scrutiny of the passengers.
Some passengers were lost through a boat's accident at the davits during the night. It is estimated that the total death roll is about 30. It is considered that the failure of the piratical attack is entirely due to the spirited resistance of the captain and officers and to the excellent anti-piratical organization of the Haiching.
The following message has been sent by the Admiralty to the Commander-in- Chief, China Station:
The Admiralty have noted with admiration the gallantry of the captain, officers, and crew of the ss. Haiching in successfully overcoming the attempted piracy of their vessel, and re- quest you to convey this message to her
owners.
26