1939 Press Photo Willem van Ewijk Mine Layer Strikes Mine Killing 30 - nem47947

The neutral Netherlands suffered a tragic loss when a strong tide pulled the Willem van Ewijk, a Dutch mine layer against a mine which she had just laid in her own territorial waters, and blew her to bits, killing 30 of the crew of 51. The vessel pictured here is the mine layer. Van der Hulst, sister ship of the Willem van Ewijk. They are similar in every detail save that the Ewijk has an "E" painted on her side where the "H" shows on this ship.

Photo is dated 1939.

Photo measures 8.5 x 6.75 inches.