Describing the naval engagement in the Adriatic in which the cruiser
_Zenta_ was sunk, a writer in the _Corriere d’Italia_ says:
“A flotilla of Anglo-French torpedo boats was steaming out to sea after
recoaling and revictualling on the Piræan coast when it met other
warships of the Allies with their decks already cleared for action
coming from Malta. The combined fleet proceeded toward the entrance to
Cataro Harbor.
“When they were approaching it the British torpedo destroyers which
headed the flotilla sighted the Austrian protected cruiser _Zenta_ and
three smaller war vessels doing blockade duty. Before they were
discovered the allied flotilla opened fire upon the enemy’s cruiser,
which, being taken wholly by surprise, was slow in replying. When at
last the _Zenta_ began to return the fire it did so at long intervals,
with its shots very wide of the mark.
“In the meantime the gunners of the Anglo-French fleet were tearing ugly
rents in the _Zenta’s_ flank and within four minutes had flooded her
engine rooms. The other three Austro-Hungarian vessels--torpedo
boats--then began racing away with many dead aboard.
“Seeing that the _Zenta_ was foundering rapidly while its crew was
intent on seeking a way of escape, the largest of the English torpedo
boats went alongside and rescued 200 marines who were on the point of
drowning.
“Fifty of these men subsequently succumbed to injuries received in the
battle. Besides these 200 were wounded by lively rifle fire.”