10.5.1937 Mediterranean Sea 34°38’S, 31°27’E 617th. day at sea
Sailing for the Ionian Sea Schiff 30 began the hunt for the mysterious Republican freighters. On 3.5. in the early hours of the morning, a large shadow was sighted and Schiff 30 stopped astern of the target and the raider extinguished her lights. The Bridge Radio Room reported that there was radio chatter in Spanish it appears that there are 3 ships here and they will depart tomorrow morning. Since Schiff 30 is in Greek territorial waters Hartmann decided to follow the ships into international waters and stop them for inspection. At 2005 hrs. in 36°25’N, 20°39’E all three ships were stopped with shots over the bow, the three Spanish vessels quickly stopped, three Investigation Commandos were launched, all three ships were identified as “Torres II” 4.400 grt, “Perez de Bilbao” 4.500 grt, and “Castillo de Cruz” 4.500 grt all were loaded with gold, silver, and Spanish currency these vessels were taken prize and the valuable cargo was transferred aboard Schiff 30. These gold transports were destined for Odessa. On 6.5. the Spanish freighter “Alonso XII” 4.400 grt was sunk with demolition charges.
Schiff 30 will now drift towards the island of Cyprus for the remainder of the month. Afterwards the raider will embark on a secret operation.
Investigation Commandos are disembarked from Schiff 30
Three gold transports burning after the valuable cargo is taken aboard.
Schiff 30 drifting in the swells of the Mediterranean Sea