10 JUNE 1905, Page 3

It is with deep regret that we record another submarine

disaster, which took place at Plymouth on Thursday, and resulted in the destruction of Submarine A8 and the loss of fourteen men and one officer. The cause of the accident is believed to have been an explosion of gasoline, but the matter is still obscure. The only survivors are the four officers and men who were standing near the conning-tower,—the sub- marine was not submerged when she sank. Though the disaster is a terrible one, and though everything that human ingenuity can suggest must be done to prevent the recurrence of such accidents, we trust that there will be no foolish clamour to suspend the construction and use of submarines. They are, we believe, essential to the fighting efficiency of the Fleet.