S.S. Cork Torpedoed (1918)

Description

Date: 30 January 1918

Transcript:

S.S. Cork Torpedoed.
12 LIVES LOST.
Survivors Landed at Pembrokeshire Port.

Survivors of the s.s. Cork, an Irish vessel which was sunk by an enemy submarine, were landed at a Pembrokeshire port on Saturday morning.

All the passengers, numbering seven, and five members of the crew of 35 lost their lives, and the survivors when they landed had lost all their effects and were scantily clad.

BROKE IN TWO AND SANK IN FOUR MINUTES.

Interviewed by a representative, the chief steward said the first intimation he had of anything wrong was when a torpedo struck the ship amidships and crashed through the engine-room. The vessel was hit with such force that she broke in two and sank in four minutes.

The disaster happened between 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning, and it was only possible to launch two boats, the others being smashed.

"Just before the disaster happened," he added, "I was talking to the stewardess, who said it was such a dirty night that she did not think any danger was to be feared, and she was going to turn in. I did not agree with her but she said 'Good-night,' and went to her cabin. She had no chance of escape then, as sit was impossible to get to her. She was a widow with two children, and had been in the service of the Company for nearly 40 years. But for the magnificent conduct of the chief officer I firmly believe we should have all gone to the bottom. He was in bed at the time, and came on deck in his night attire, but he did not seen to mind that, and I shall never forget his gallant conduct when the boats were being got out."


Source:
'S.S. Cork Torpedoed.' North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality. 30 Jan. 1918. 3.

• https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4119212/4119215/32/ (link opens in new window)