One survivor, replying to a question as to whether the Niger was
torpedoed or mined, replied:
"Torpedoed, Sir. With the exception of the watch and the gun crews all
were below at the time. The first order we received was to close the
watertight doors."
So far as I can ascertain at present only one man is missing. Four or
five have been landed at Ramsgate. The crew is said to have numbered
ninety-six officers and men.
The sinking of the Niger came with tragic swiftness. It was
comparatively a fine, peaceful day, and the people were resting on the
promenade enjoying sea and fresh air. Anglers--men and women--were
calmly fishing from the pier. One angler whom I interviewed this evening
said:
"I had just baited my line and cast it out when I heard two loud
reports, like an explosion. I looked seaward and saw the Niger, only a
mile away, enveloped in smoke or steam. When it had cleared away. I said
to my fellow-anglers, 'Oh, he is letting off steam! When I looked at her
again I was startled to notice that she was lower in the water.
Fortunately I had slung across my shoulder a pair of glasses, and, on
looking at the vessel through them, I noticed that they were attempting
to lower the boats, while the remainder of the crew stood at attention
on the deck.
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