Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-03-10
Apnalling Scene at Sea.

Wreck of the Steamer Victoria, and Loss of
SeUe .ty Lsoes 1.-THE main facts concerning this
terrible disaster have already been laid before our
readers but the incidents we subioin, possess
melancholy interest. The vessel it will be re-
membered, struck the Cliffs of Howth, little to
the north of Bailey Light, at the entrance of
Dublin Bav
"The mate, who was on the lookout at the star
board bow was borrifed to perceive looming dimly
through the snow~cloud. at a distance of not more
than 70 yards, the dark and rugged cliffs Of
Howth, little to the north of Bailey Light. He
Immediately gave the order to stop, but it was
too late and the next instant the doomed vessel
went headong upon the rock with fearful and
appalling crash. The captain was instantly upon
deIk, 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
attempted to run her ashore.
In the meantime scene of the most melancholy
and heart rendng description ensued. The cabin
passengers in bed, and, being awakened by the
shock OF the collision, rushed halt dressed and some
almost IN state OF nudity, upon the deck, when, to
their amazement, they found the ship fast going
down. The steerage passengers, ahrlghted and dis.
mayed, were running in wild confusion about the
deck, vainly seeking for mode Of escape; hus
bands were looking for their wives, wives were
c'ingIng TO their husbands, and mothers casping
their helpless children TO their breasts, uttering
The captain, first mate, and other officers, preserved
their presence Of mind, aud eDdeavOred to keep or.
der, So that the passengers and crew might have
better opportunity Of eecng their escape; but such
was the alarm and excitement, that their Efforts
proved quite unavailing. The confusion increased
every moment, the cries for assistance became loud
er, and general rush was made towards the ships
boats.
The slarhoard quarter boat was immediately filed
ny number IT the wreIched passengers; buI IN the
hurry hnd Confusion OF the moment, proper care was
not taken To secure the ropes, aud the great weight
caused The boat Ia slip from her davis INTO The STA,
"hen she Instantly swamped and al in her perish
ed. The lalhmdd quarter boat was then lowered,
fortunately with more success Ii contained II pei =
SONS. On reaching the water, however, it was
lound that the boat leaking fast, aud nust have
gone down IN short time, were it MT for the cool.
ness and presence Of mind Of young lad, who, hav-
ing searched with his hand, found that the plug
hole was open, aud Immediately thrust his fingers
INTO IT, Al This THE The boat was almost imine-
diately under Ihe side of the sinking ship, the bul.
wa'ks Of which were crowded with the passcr gers,
whom the captain was seen eDdeavoring to quiet
aud pacily. Some Of them, however, leaped inlo
the sea, aud we're instantly diownrd Mr. Wash,
whom we have menlionrd A. being IL the boat, saw
bis vile clinginR 10 some Of the wood work Of the
vesfel, and called upon her 10 leap down; but Mr.
Ralph cried ou--"For Gods sake, don't lump
down, OF yuu will surely i've drowned; held on, ADD
we will rturn lor you IN lew minutes" They had
no idea AT that moment that the vessel was SO near
her final destruction, but in u lew minutes after
wards rbe went down b Oily, bow foremost, aud the
unfortunate lady aud nearly all who remained on
board were lost. Seventy lives IN ALL are supposed
10 have been lost.