The Capturing of Haapala Ships by the British
The activity of the British security forces to implement the British government's decision – to prevent the illegal immigration of Jews – was complex and comprehensive. With great intelligence effort, they followed the operation methods of 'Hamossad for Aliyah Bet' in Europe, and the organization of Haapala ships as they prepared for their mission.
The activity of the British security forces to implement the British government's decision – to prevent the illegal immigration of Jews – was complex and comprehensive. With great intelligence effort, they followed the operation methods of 'Hamossad for Aliyah Bet' in Europe, and the organization of Haapala ships as they prepared for their mission.
In Israel, an observation and warning lineup was established for early detection of Haapala ships, which included: A fleet of destroyers that docked in the Haifa Port; coastal police ships that patrolled and blocked access to the shore from high seas; reconnaissance aircrafts engaged in locating Haapala ships in high seas; army units and radar stations assigned to guard the shore from inland. It should be noted that the British made sure to operate within the guidelines of the international law (excluding the "Exodus" case) and tried to stop Haapala ships only after they entered the Israel's territorial waters (three miles from the shore.)
Up until the deportation of immigrants to detention camps in Cyprus in August 1948, when immigrants had not begun resisting their detention, one destroyer was enough to capture and stop a Haapala ship once it was spotted. At times, when it seemed as if the ship was not obeying the orders quickly enough, a warning fire would be shot at its bow.
When the deportation of immigrants to Cyprus was resisted by the immigrants, the British needed at least two destroyers to capture a Haapala ship in stages:
First, the immigrants were softened up with peaceful talk to appease their fervor of battle. Later on, the destroyers butted against the side of the Haapala ship in order to stop it, followed by takeover crews, who were especially trained for their mission. With the help of water hoses and tear gas grenades, they took over the major areas of the ship: The navigating bridge; the rudder; the communications room and the machine room. The taking over of Haapala ships was executed in any type of weather, during the day as well as at night.
In Israel, an observation and warning lineup was established for early detection of Haapala ships, which included: A fleet of destroyers that docked in the Haifa Port; coastal police ships that patrolled and blocked access to the shore from high seas; reconnaissance aircrafts engaged in locating Haapala ships in high seas; army units and radar stations assigned to guard the shore from inland. It should be noted that the British made sure to operate within the guidelines of the international law (excluding the "Exodus" case) and tried to stop Haapala ships only after they entered the Israel's territorial waters (three miles from the shore.)
Up until the deportation of immigrants to detention camps in Cyprus in August 1948, when immigrants had not begun resisting their detention, one destroyer was enough to capture and stop a Haapala ship once it was spotted. At times, when it seemed as if the ship was not obeying the orders quickly enough, a warning fire would be shot at its bow.
When the deportation of immigrants to Cyprus was resisted by the immigrants, the British needed at least two destroyers to capture a Haapala ship in stages:
First, the immigrants were softened up with peaceful talk to appease their fervor of battle. Later on, the destroyers butted against the side of the Haapala ship in order to stop it, followed by takeover crews, who were especially trained for their mission. With the help of water hoses and tear gas grenades, they took over the major areas of the ship: The navigating bridge; the rudder; the communications room and the machine room. The taking over of Haapala ships was executed in any type of weather, during the day as well as at night.