CO129-513-8 Attacks by Chinese pirates on shipping- awards for bravery 14-1-1929 - 21-12-1929 — Page 43

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passengers lost everything of value; even the oil lamps used on the ship (no electric light), cooking utensils, bedding

and all provisions were stolen. The malicious damage was

done before the ship reached Kau Lan Island.

The pirates who got control of the ship had

perfected their plans, by the fact that a fleet of sampans manned by presumably the remainder of the gang whose lot was to receive the pirates and loot from the pirated vessel and afford protection against rival gangs in that pirated

infested area met the ship.

5. hen the removal of the loot from the ship was in progress it appears that a rival gang of pirates came on the scene and wanted to help themselves to a share of the loot which was resented by the "long Shek Kung" pirates with the result that shots were exchanged. The invading gang was driven off and the conquerors collected the loot that had already been looted and made off, possibly fearing that

their enemies would return with reinforcements.

This intervention seems to have saved the balance

of the cargo and everything movable on the ship from falling into the hands of the pirates. Once the pirates' attention had been taken off the ship she weighed anchor and steamed

away.

6. The ship was met by Police Launch before she entered the harbour and escorted to her anchorage.

Police were placed on the ship.

I arrived on board with Police fran Headquarters shortly after the ship had arrived in the harbour.

I met Commander Binney as he was leaving the ship after collecting the necessary information for the Naval

Authorities.

I