WesWorld

Disaster in the Med!!!!!

The K.D.M. Copenhagen, pride of the Danish Navy, has been struck by what appears to have been a free floating mine while steaming off the south of France as it was heading for Genoa.

The Copenhagen is said to be settling down by the stern, with a list of about 12 degrees, 24 hours after the initial explosion. The Copenhagen’s captain, Capt. Tomas Wolfsen is quoted as having said “No, not like this!! I will not let her go like this!!!” Latest reports have the Copenhagen as trying to make the French coast and if possible the port of Toulon. Falster is giving tow, in an effort to aid the Copenhagen make port.

Earlier, the Falster had transfered many members of the Copenhagen’s compliment to the Iberian steamer “Maria Magdalena”, the first ship to answer the call for aid sent out by the Copenhagen. Her Master, Capt. Pedro da Silva, offered to transfer members of his engineering crew to the Copenhagen to help with repairs, but Capt. Wolfsen has declined his offer, saying that he does not wish to endanger the lives of civilians.

“Maria Magdalena” is now steaming towards Toulon at best speed to avail of the city’s medical facilities. The ship’s tiny medical compliment, under Dr. Juan Carrascal, are endeavouring to give as much aid as they can to their Danish patients.

When asked to comment on the disaster, the head of the Naval Academy and former Master of the Copenhagen, Commodore O.Magnussen, said that he did not wish to say anything until the investigation into the incident had been completed, other than to say his thoughts and prayers were with the families of the injured.

The Naval Hospital has made preparations for recieving casualties, and, fortunately, the 220 meter drydock at Marseilles is available. Medical personnel and supplies have been dispatched by flying boat.

The Danish Navy thanks the French Government and the people of Toulon for their help!