Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-04-08
APpaIIIna seene ai sea.

WRECK OF SrEAMER YIcIonA-Loss on 10
PAssEEGERs.-The main facts concerning this
terrible disaster have already been given. but
the incidents we subjOin possess melancholy in
terest. The vessel, il will be remembered,
struck the Cliffs Of HoWth, little to the north
Of Bailey Light, at the entrance Of Dublin
Bay;
The mate, who was on the lookout at
the starboard bow, was horri6ed to perceive,
looming dimly through the snow clowd, at
distance Of not more than 20 yards, the dark
and ruggid cliffs Of HoWth, little to the north
Of Bailey Light. He Immediately gave the or
der to stop, but it was too late, and the next
moment the doomed vessel went headlong up
on the rock with dreadful and appalling crash.
The captain was instantly upon the deck, and
gave orders TO reverse the engines. This was
done, and the vessel being released from the
rocks backed out into deep water, when finding
that she was rapidly sinking, the captain at
tempted TO run her ashore. In the meantime
scene o. the most melancholy and heart-rend-
ing description ensued.
The starboard quarter-boat was Immediately
launched by number Of wretched passengers;
but in the hurry and confusion Of the moment,
proper care was not taken to secure the ropes,
and the boats weight caused her to slip from
her dayatts into the sea where she instantly
swamped and all in her perished. The larboard
quarter-boat was then lowered, fortunately with
more success 1t contained II persons. On
reaching the water, however it was found that
the boat was leaking fast, and must have gone
down in a short time were it not for the cool
ness and presence of mind of young man,
who, having searched with his hand, found that
the plug hole was open, and Immediately thrust
his fingers into it. At this time the boat was
almost Immediately under the side of the sink
ing ship, the bulwarks Of which were crowded
with passengers, whom the captain was seen
endeavoring to quiet and pacify. Some Of fthem,
however, leaped into the sea, and were instant
ly drowned. Mr. Walch saw his wife clinging
TO some of the woodwork of the vessel and
called upon her to leap down, but Mr.. Ralph
cried out for Gods sake don't jump down, or
you will surely be drowned-hold on and we
will return for you in few minutes They
had no idea at that moment that the vessel was
so near her final destruction, but in few min
utes afterwards she went down bodily, bow
foremost, and the unfortunate lady and nearly
all who remained on board were lost. Seventy
lives in all are supposed to have been lost.
The cabin passengers were in bed, and being
awakened by the shock of the collision, rush.
ed half dressed, and some almost in a state Of
nudity, upon the deck, when to their horror
they found the ship fast going down. The
steerage passengers, affrighted and dismayed,
were running in wild confusion about the deck,
vainly seeking for some mode of escape hus-
bands were looking for their wives; wives were
clnging to their husbands and mothers clasp
ing their helpless children to their breasts,
were uttering passionate prayers to Heaven for
succor and for mercy The captain, the first
mate and the other officers, preserved their
presence Of mind and endeavored to keep or
der, so that the passengers and crew might
have better opportunity of ehecting their es-
cape; but such was the alarm and excitement,
and so short the period that elapsed between
he collision and the total destruction of the ves
sci, that their efforts proved quite unavailing.
The confusion increased every moment, the
cries for assistance became louder and louder,
and a general rush was made towards the ships
boats. .#