The nearly 1,600 visaless Jewish immigrants intercepted 50 miles off Haifa yesterday were deported to Cyprus this morning following a sharp clash between British soldiers and about 750 refugees who were on board the blockade runner Moledeth.
The battle occurred following the refugees’ refusal to be transferred to the Ocean Vigor and the Empire Rival, Cyprus ferries. British officers and spokesmen for the refugees conferred twice before the troops used tear gas, smoke bombs and clubs to force the passengers out of the ship’s hold and over the side. Following the first short discussion, about 100 refugees came up on deck protesting but peaceful.
Many soldiers and Jews were reported injured during the fight. There was no clash aboard the two destroyers to which over 700 other Moledeth passengers had been transferred in mid-ocean when it was feared that the blockade runner would capsize and sink. Upon the Moledeth’s arrival in Haifa, one of the spokesmen for the passengers thanked the British for rescuing them.
An S. O. S. signal was sent by the ship last night when she sprang a leak and started listing. A number of British destroyers and minesweepers arrived in response to the distress call. An engine room officer was sent aboard with a pump, and after some of the passengers were taken off the ancient wooden ship partly righted itself.
It arrived in port with a 20 degree list. On its side was painted its name in English — Patria — and the original name — San Phillipe of Panama. The 750-ton vessel was reported to be nearly 70 years old and to have passenger accommodations for about 30 persons.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
