WesWorld

Filippino cruiser detonates in Saigon! Heavy loss of life feared!

At 8:37 this morning Saigon was rocked by the explosion of the Filippine cruiser Palawan.

Eyewittnesses say that a violent explosion of the foremost turret broke the bow off, and both parts of Palawan settled on the floor of the bay. The battleship Paris and the Audaciaux class destroyer Assault were also seriously damaged.

Casualties aboard Palawan are heavy, and divers have searched the forward wreckage of the bow for survivors and remains, while casualties are being brought to the deck on the aft part of Palawan, which remains slightly above water. They are then transported to Saigon naval hospital.

Atlantis has sent its condolences to France, The Philippines and the people of Saigon. "this is a tragedy of un mentionable prepostions" remarked the skipper of an Atlantian freighter mercifully at the opposite end of the harbor. "I have a headache from the concusion from the blast, and a heartache for the unfortunate souls lost in this tragedy."

This tragedy is but the latest event to strike the battle line of France. Only a few years ago, MN France struck an uncharted rock in Quiberon Bay and sank, with a fortunately small loss of life. With the accident to befall MN Paris, usable French battleships decrease in number to four.

In responce the Russians have plans to transfer the First Battle Division of Baltic Fleet, consisting of battleships Sevastopol and Poltava to the Russian Pacific Fleet, and will be stationed at Cam Ranh Bay.

No word has been given to possible Atlantian fleet shifts.