We note with deep regret the destruction of a French
submarine not far from Calais Harbour on Thursday by a passenger steamer bound for Dover. Those on board the steamer felt a shock, and almost immediately the nose of the submarine appeared above water and remained so for nearly a quarter of an hour. While efforts were being made to assist the submarine she suddenly sank. It is feared that no less than twenty-seven men were on board. All hope of their being rescued is now said to have been abandoned, although, accord- ing to some reports, the crew did not perish immediately. The cause of the disaster has not yet been discovered, but in all probability the Pluviose ' was attempting to dive under the steamer. The sympathy of the British Navy and of the whole British people will be with the French in this tragedy of the sea. Though no doubt death may come as easily in a submarine as in a railway accident, it is impossible to deny that there is something peculiarly terrible in the circumstances of a submarine disaster.
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