CO129-508-4 Cases of attacks by pirates 6-11-1927 - 23-11-1928 — Page 161

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Once the pirates had obtained the ship's arms they

compelled the Master to weigh anchor and steam out of the

Harbour.

There was considerable shooting on board while

she lay at anchor.

It would appear that the Chinese General and the

Commissioner for Foreign Affairs were the great attraction

for the pirates who lost no time in seeking them on board.

None of the pirates who confronted the General seem to have

recognised him as he put them off by saying that he would

take them to the General. He led them along the allyway by

the Engine room and then suddenly disappeared round a turn-

ing and got to the coal bunker and hid himself in the coal

where he remained undetected by the pirates inspite of

repeated searches in the coal bunkers. The General invoked

the help of some of the crew to conceal him. The Commiss-

ioner for Foreign Affairs was closely guarded by the pirates

and was compelled to sleep in the saloon with the other 6

passengers who had been singled out by the pirates as would

be hostages.

The pirates carried out a systematical search of

the passengers, officers, and crews effects, taking away

money, jewellery and clothing to the approximate value of

$15,000.00 (only rough estimate). The pirates when dealing

with the Officers' cabins behaved unnecessarily rough and

damaged some of the furniture.

Shortly after the vessel had left Hoi How the

Pirate Chief intimated to the Captain that they intended

to land in Chinese Junks behind an Island off Aberdeen

(Lamma Island) as there was a large fleet of junks in these

Waters.

After further consultation this idea was abandoned

and Bias Bay was decided upon.

The ship arrived at the entrance to Bias Bay about

10 a.m. on 28th May. As he was entering the Bay (making

范和崗

for Fan Wo Kong) the British Cruiser "Somme" was observed