Dear Sir,
CHINA NAVIGATION COMPANY'S
S.S. "Tean"
Hongkong,
28th May, 1928.
68
On Sunday 27.5.28 at 4.15 A.M. while at anchor in
Hoihow Harbour my ship was seized by pirates. I was lying
asleep in my cabin and was awakened by shots and men running.
I jumped up and was just going to open the door when it was
burst in and four pirates entered who demanded my arms. I
was then taken to the Chief Officer's cabins and remained
there about two minutes when we were ordered to get the ship
underway and to proceed to Swatow, which was done.
After
clearing the Hainan Straits I was ordered to steer for Little
Hongkong and later for Bias Bay. We had some freedom of
movement, an armed man following everywhere and food and drink
could be obtained. At 10.30 A.L. 28.5.28 when in a position
about four miles south of Bate Island, Bias Bay, H.M.S.
"SOLLE" was sighted lying at anchor to the North of Bate
Island:
instantly the pirates ordered me to alter course to
run for the opposite side of the Bay and they prepared to two
lifeboats on the port side for lowering. When a mile off Bola
Bluff Pt. 11.05 A.. we stopped and they lowered the boats
and rowed ashore with the Chief and 2nd Officers, eleven
Chinese crew, and seven Chinese passengers.
The boats were
smashed in landing and the officers and crew were on the
beach until 3.00 p.m. when they were taken onboard the
Chinese Maritime Customs Launch "Yeung Shing" and at 4.30
p.m. brought back to me by H..S. "Somme". I then got under
Messrs. Butterfid and Swire,
Hongkong.
weigh
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