The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-04
MARINE DISASTERS.
EXPLOSION At QUARANTINE.

The Brig Der Flciss, with n Cargo Of NaphthRs
Destroyed by Combustion and Burned TO the
Waters Edsc.
A terrible accident but fortunately unaccompanied
with loss oflife occurred yesterday morning onboard
the North German brig Der Feiss Ut anchor opposite
Quarantine landing, staten Island. The vessel was
loaded with 1854 barrels Of naphtha oil, and was
bound hence to Diboa. Her captain, G. Ehrenreich,
had made all arrangements Tor sailing for his destt-
nation, the wind being favorable, and was at work
in the cabin getting his papers ready for clearing,
when the accident occurred. Two OF the crew OF
eight men were shore with the pilot, who had
Just left the vessel, ana the remainder were
busy, under the direction OF the mate, MIR. Borg.
wardt, IN putting things 'shipshape" for the con-
templated departure. 1t was bitterly cold In the
cabin at ten O'CLOCK and the mate suggested to the
captain the deslrabil!ty OF lighting ire IN the
stove, which he objected TO. It seems, however,
that the captain was SO absorbed In his labor on the
shlps papers that the negative answer TO the dam
gerous proposition OF the mate not very strong.
for in few minutes after the latter put wood and
coal in the stove, applied match ana then went
on deck. Captain Ehreurelch was absorbed In his
papers and did not observe what hau occurred. The
fire had been ligated abont twenty minutes when the
sides OF the cabin fell ill., the flooring OF the cabin
and then the deck rose up, and In second after
broke in all directions with laundering crash.
Flames burst from the hold OF the same moment and
threatened the lives Of the crew. The captain
scrambled on deck "A best he could, and calling on
all hands TO follow his example lung himself over
board. lie was severely burned In the head and
face and his hair and wllsAers were on fire. Being
a good swimmer he kept mis- head above the water
until rescued by q boat from the Charles II. Mar
SHALL The mate was also burned in the face, but
not severely and cabin BOY, GuStave Langnar,
received some burns the legs. The remainder OF
I'm ere m
OF throwing thepseye5 into tue sea neid
on to the sides Of the vessel until boats
As soon as the explosion was heard at the
dock the HERALD steam yacht put out and ran
alongside the burning brig to render assistance bur
nothing further eouid be done. The wind was blow
Ing fresh from the northwest and the flames spread
went by the board early, and was towed Dr small
boats into Vanderbilt landing. At twelve O'Clock
the foretopmas iell into The sea, rigging and sails
burned up, and there was nothing left standing
but the fore lowermas which was charred and
from the hold with roaring nolse and IL was
evident to all the spectators present tnat all hope OF
saving the vessel from destruction might De aban-
doned. IL was suggested that the best plan would
be to scutte her. but when tue nature OF the cargo
was ascertained tina. plan was abandoned.
apprlscd Of the accident promptly despatched the
tug Titan to the scene with number OF men, ana
soon two powerful streams OF water were playing
on the burning vessel. The lire, however, had g0t
too much Roadway TO be checked BY the force OF one
engine ana Skea Up c wler grsey as s n
perutendent III charge VI the tug, however kept
al 1t perseverngly until the afternoon, when two
other tugs sent by the company. The add.
tional help was timely as the tire was getting the
mastery and the entire destruction OF the Eu OF the
brig appeared inevitable. several streams OF water
rushing from the hose on the burning mass and
concentrating on the parts OF the brig where the e
was strongest soon produced an appreclabe effect
The latest report received last night from Quaral-
tine stated that the wrecklng company were con-
ndent Of being able 10 save the hull from total
destruction.
Captain Ehrenrech was taken In q carriage TO
Smiths Inlrmary Tumkinsvlle, where his face aud
head were dressed by Dr.. Anderson. Although ne
cessary very painful his INJURIES are not dangerous.
The mate was removed 10 The Sailors Retreat. He
IL severely burned In tho face The cabin boy was
able TO walk about soon after his wound was
dressed. but suffered much pain. Captain Ehren-
rech says that the matc Is responsible for
the disaster. having lighted the fire In
the cabin contrary 10 his express orders,
and thus caused the explosion OF the gas generated
by the naphtha He regards the escape OF himself
and crew, however, as little short OF miraculous,
and, In common with all who heard the terrible ex-
ploson and saw the deck lying IN the DIR, IS sur
prised that lives were lost. The crew saved
portion of their clothing, but the captain and mate
lost everything
inc brig Der Fleiss was $50 tons measurement ana
was owned by G. Altnaber, OF Anslam, Prussia, Tho
cargo was the properly or h. Caylus de Kuyter d
Co., OF Beaver street and was consigned TO Tobias
& Co., Bilb0a. The brig was insured In Anslam. but
whether the narhiia was also covered by insurance
could not be asccrtaincd.