Copy.
139
General Report on the Piracy of 8.3. "Hong Hva”
$.8. "Hong Hwe" (Captain Angus MacKenzie) is a British ship of 1924 tons nett register, registered at Singapore and owned by the Ho Hong Steamship Co. of 61 Chu Lia Street, Singa- pore. The Company is a Chinese concern. She runs between
Rangoon, Peneng, Singapore, Hongkong, Svatow and Amoy, carrying passengers and cargo. She carries no guards and is not
protected against piracy, as she does not come under the Hong
Kong Piracy Prevention Ordinance.
S.S. "Hong Hwa" left Singapore for Hongkong and ports at 5 p.m. on the 7th of January 1925, carrying 357 passengers and a general cargo. No first class passengers were carried, and with the exception of 3 2nd Class passengers all the passengers travelled 3rd Class.
The usual course for Hongkong was steered with a strong N.E. Monsoon blowing.
Nothing untoward occurred during the voyage until the 6th day out when at 8.40 a.m. on the 13th January, when the ship was in Lat: 14°53′ North, Long: 110°24' East. Whistles were blown and the Captain, his Officers, the crew and passangers were held up by about 30 armed man, who suddenly appeared from below. The attack was a complete surprise and the pirates thus had immediate and full control of the ship. No resistance was offered by the Officers and crew, who, taken unawares, perforce to submit to the pirates' demands.
had
The Bridge, Engine Room and Wireless Room were the main objectives of the pirates, particular attention being paid to the wireless set which was quickly put out of action. At the time of the attack, several shots were fired by the pirates, presumably to frighten the passengers and crew, but no body was injured. The Captain was ordered to steer a course for Breaker Point, but to keep 80 miles to the South of Hongkong: the Engine Room staff were ordered to carry out their ordinary duties.
The
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.