DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

154 CASE OF THE ANCONA.
us at about 5 miles and that I was able to sight distinctly
during the minutes which preceded midday, while I was
measuring the sun's height. As I could not suspect of
what utility the characteristics of that vessel would be, I
firmly state that it was a submarine; as to further details
I am sorry that I can not add any, except that it had two
masts in the form of a cross.
While I was with the other officers on the bridge measuring
the height of the sun, I heard the shot of a gun
coming from my left and immediately the voice of my
commander shout: "A submarine." I ignore all the
maneuvers which were carried out in the intent of avoiding
or escaping it; what I recall very well is, that to a
first shot others followed, part of which I saw failed to
hit us.
I ascertained that other shots had hit us in the superstructures
and especially in the lifeboats on the right, in
consequence of which many of such boats remained useless.
As far as I was concerned, knowing that the commander
was on the bridge, I thought to direct my efforts
in the rescuing and stopping, as far as possible, those who
unconsciously tried to lower the lifeboats. I helped two
sailors to lower some of them. The fire had stopped
meantime. How long a time had passed from the first
shot to the last, which I interpreted to be the signal of
the torpedo, I can not state precisely; I only remember
that I, returning from the quarter deck, after having lowered
the only lifeboat which was still in good condition,
heard a last shot, and a little while afterwards, my eyes
looking on the sea, saw the white track of the torpedo
which was going to hit us. I had just time to go around
the ship and I heard a strong report, followed by a very
violent shock.
Considering that my work was at an end, and there not
being any other lifeboats to be lowered, I threw myself
into the sea to get away from the suction of the ship and
to be able to be rescued; as it occurred, I was rescued
by lifeboat No. 10. With this lifeboat we landed after
43 hours' navigation at the Island of Zembra, in the Gulf
of Tunis, from where we were transported to Tunis.
[Inclosure 3.]
ANDREA GIACOMINO.
Verbal statement made by Andrea Giacomino, First Officer
ofS. S. "Ancona," to Assistant Naval Attache Jackson.
Andrea Giacomino furnished a statement which he
said had been sworn to before the Italian Commission
investigating the loss of the Ancona.
The following additional facts concerning the loss of
the Ancona were brought out in subsequent conversation
with Andrea Giacomino, first officer of the Ancona.
The morning was foggy but cleared somewhat just
before noon, and the first officer was on the bridge taking
the sun's altitude.