CO129-507-3 China- anti-piracy precautions 31-10-1927 - 25-10-1928 — Page 249

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Cases of riracy on Japanese Vessels.

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In Southern Chinese Waters where pirates appear to be

more rampant than elsewhere, only one sase of piracy has mo

far been reported with respect to our merchant vessels.

The "Tixes Maru" of Mitsui and Company, Canton, (tonnage

#,105), while transporting soal from Formosa, was stranded

on the shallows off Huang Po on August 21. In the

following morning she was attacked three times by pirates

and a part of her riggings and all of her provisions and

ensh were looted, the total loss amounting to more than

6,800 bollara. The matter was instantly taken up by the

Japanese Consul General at Camon and a strong protest was

loc ged with the local Commissioner of Foreign Affairs but

with no remit.

In Northern waters more Japanese vessels of a smaller

type, have fallen vistine to Chinese pirates. A fishing

vessel belonging to Hotta-chami, Tsingtao, ma pirated off

Kalabow on May 4th. The "Hirao Maru" hired by the

International Transportation Company saa unloading her

cargoes at Ta-ro, Haichow, on August 10 when a gang of

brigands attacked her, looting the crew's money and be-

longings and carrying away the Captain, Coxswain and same

chinese passengers as nostages. The Captain and Coxswain

vere released after strenuous efforts on the part of tak

local Chinese autaori and Chamber of Commerce.

Unsuccessful attacks were made on August 31 on the

*shin Oki Maru" at Ta-Po by Chinese : irates who were

instantly dispelled by a Japanese destroyer who happened

to be crueing not distant from her.