CO129-488 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1925 [1-7] — Page 111

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The

"against the determined assault by a large party of armed men". With one exception every recent piratical attack from within the ship has been successful in spite of the existing Regulations. Exception referred to is the case of the "Tai Lee" in April 1924. She was then the mother ship of her convoy and carried cight rmed Indian Guards in charge of two European Sergeants, in addition to the six armed Indian Guards attached to the vessel and signed on articles,

The pirates lunched the attack upon the engine room and, control having been gained, they drow the fires with the intention of causing the vessel to drift ashore where a considerable body of pirates well armed were waiting ready to loot the vessel and murder anyone who rosiated.

Fortunately the vessel did not drift shore, but was

carried down mid-stream with the current.

The pirates seeing that

their object was defeated made no attack on the bridge but jumped over-board and swam to the shore. It is said that sovural wor

shot as they were swimming away bu. this is doubtful as it was a dark night and it was impossible to bo cortsin of the results.

The "Sarning" another vessel of the convoy turned around and tried to stand by. but she could render no assistance whatever, in fact she only became an additional target for the rifles of the

disappointed desperadoes on shor. who fired at both vessels until they were out of rango.

It is considered that if it is necessary to retain certain

of the Regulations until Naval patrols (hereinafter referred to)

are provided, it certainly is not necessary to stiffen the existing

Regulations but on the contrary they should be considerably modified

and all that is required is that the bridge and the engine room and

stokehold entrances should be protected, and the officers armed.

GRILLES. The grilles are a real source of danger. They interfere

with the access of the passengers to the boats and in all probability

will be the cause of great loss of life in the vent of a vessel

carrying them incurring any maritime casualty. The Regulations so

far as they relate to griller in direct opposition to the

provisions of the merchant Shipping Acts. The Board of Trade

3.

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(requirements)