Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 101, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 March 1915 — U. S. SUBMARINE BELIEVED LOST; 25 FACE DEATH [ARTICLE]

U. S. SUBMARINE BELIEVED LOST; 25 FACE DEATH

F-4 Submerged for Hours Off Honolulu. e 120 FATHOMS UNDER WATER Grappling Hooks Fall to Bring Craft to the Surface—Located by Other Boats But No Signals Have Been Received. Honolulu, T. H., March American submarine F-4 is lying submerged at a depth of 120 fathoms two miles off Honolulu harbor, and it Is feared that the crew has been suffocated. The vessel was submerged at 9:15 a. m. and failed to come to the surface. The F-4, commanded by Lieut. Alfred L. Ede, carried a crew of 25 men. Attempts to bring the vessel to the surface with grappling hooks have failed. No signal bells have beien heard from the submerged craft, and this fact leads to fears that the submarine’s tanks have burst, suffocating the crew with sulphuric acid fumes. Search for Missing Boat. The three other submarines of the “F” group stationed here, the naval tug Navajo and launches scoured the ocean for miles about the harbor entrance before trace of the vessel was found. Naval officials at first were hopeful that no serious mishap had befallen the F-4, but as hour after hour passed without any trace of It their apprehension grew.

The little flotilla of submarines was engaged in target practice. Most of the 25 men aboard the F-4 are married and have families. Naval Circles Concerned. Washington, March 26.—Press reports that the American submarine F-4 may have been lost off Honolulu caused grave concern In naval circles here. If the F-4 should be lost It would be the first submarine in the American service to have been destroyed. In the case of the F-4 it was pointed out that the water in the vicinity of Honolulu is very deep. If a submarine goes beyond a depth of 60 feet the pressure is so enormous that ft would be crushed like an eggshell. ■ 'The F type Is about 400 tons displacement, has a surface speed of 12 knots and underwater speed of eight to ten knots an hour. Lieutenant Ede was born in Nevada on July 4, 1887. He entered the naval academy when eighteen years of age and .graduated well up in his class. British Steamer Towed to Port. Queensboro, March 26—The Liverpool liner Vedamore was towed In here by two tugs sent In response to a wireless call for help. The Vedamore is stated to be disabled but no details are available as to the cause or nature of her injuries.