Russian destroyers bunkered coal at Poeloe Weh, Sabang, Dutch East Indies in 1901

The Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandsche Zeemacht 1900-1901 reported that the Russian destroyers Kasatka and Skat visited Sabang, Dutch East Indies between 31 March-1 April 1901 and the Delfin, Kit and Som between 25-27 March 1901. The Dutch newspaper De locomotief dated 27 March 1901 reported the arrival that day of the Russian destroyers Delphin, Kitt and Tonn at Poeloe Weh, Sabang bay.(2) The arrival of another 2 destroyers for coal loading was expected. On 30 March was the large transport Moscowa expected. The edition dated 3 April reported that both Russian destroyers loaded hasty coal at Poeloe Weh and continued their voyage to Chinese waters. The edition dated 5 June reported that on 13 January 1899 the first Russian cruiser visited Poeloe Weh for coal, water and supplies; in fact the first Russian cruiser mentioned in the Atjeh accounts. Recently three destroyers bunkered Cardiff-coal. The newspaper stated that the Dutch defence of Poeloe Weh was in fact non-consisting and warned for a clash between the Japanese and Russian navies and the consequences for the Dutch neutrality.(3) The Soerabaijasch handelsblad dated 27 March published an item dated Batavia 27 March reporting the arrival the day before of 2 Russian destroyers at Sabang for bunkering Cardiff coal and that on very short notice another 2 destroyers and a transport were expected. The De nieuwe vorstenlanden dated 29 March referred to tidings received from Singapore reporting the arival of a Russian squadron of 5 torpedo boats at Poeloe Weh destination China via Saigon. Twelve more torpedo boats were disassembled loaded on board of ships with the same destination.

Notes

1. The coal bunker station at Sabang was used by Dutch and foreign war and merchant ships.

2. The Delfin (built 1899, later renamed Bezstrashni, broken up 1922, Kit (built 1900, later renamed Bditelni, sclutted on 2 January 1905), Kasatka (built 1900, later renamed Bezshumni, broken up 1922) and Skat (built 1900, later renamed Bezposhtchadni, broken op 1923) formed the Bezstrashni-class.

3. Three years later broke indeed a war out between both countries (8 February 1904-5 September 1905) and violation of the Dutch territorial waters by both opponents could hardly be prevented.