Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-04-02
TERRIBLE DISASTER.
LOSS OF THE STEAMER ATLANTIC.
SEVEN HUNDRED PEOPLE DROWNED.

HALIFAX (N. S.. April 1.-The steamship
Atlantic, of the White Star Liue, from Liver
pool March 20, for New York, running short of
coal. made for Halifax. When about twenty
miles from port, off Cape Prospect, al $50 this
morning, she ran ashore on Meagher's Head.
She had on board over 1000 men. women and
children, only $50 Of whom succeeded in land
ing. The remainder, including all the women
and children, were lost. The captain aud
third officer were saved; the first officer was
drowned.
Third office. Brady arrived in this city this
evening. He says the Atlantic lett Liverpool
March 20, with upwards Of 900 steerage pas
sengers aud about 81 cabin passengers. The
steamer experienced bosterous weather during
the passage, tut all went we'll until nom OF
Monday 5lst, when the supply Of coal became
nearly exhausted, and the captain determined IL
put into Halifax.
The Captain and third officer were on deck
until midnight. The position @ls then Judged
to be Sambro light bearing a. \. ". SO miles.
The Captain then went into his char. room,
leaving orders to be called if there was any
change 10 the vessels position.
Brady went 10 bed about the same time AZ
the Captain. The next thing he remembers is
that he was thrown out Of his bunk and felt the
ship strike several times. He then rushed on
deck. ana found the Captain and officers Their.
aud the deck full of passengers. He got at
axe and commenced to clear away boat. The
Captain and officers were busy doing the same
thing.
Brady got his boat out and put two women
10 it. a number Of men attempted to get luC
ii, aud about dozen succeeded. Just at that
moment the steamer fell over on her beam cnis
and sunk Only one boat had been got OFT
and that was carried dowo by the steamer auc
all in it lost
Brady scrambled into the mizzeu rigging
which was above water, and seeing be could DC
nothing there, he went forward and unrove the
halyards, being assisted by Quartermasiers
Speakman and Owen. Brady then took the
halyards, and all three swain to the rock. y
line was hauled ashore aud number Of pas
sengers landed by it.
\ number had got on the rock, bat as tho
tide was rising their position was ~ better than
On the vessel just then fishermen on shore
came out in boats and rescued those Oh the
rock aud large uuluber from the rigging.
Brady remained at the scene until noon to-
day, when all who were alive on board had been
saved, except the chief officer, Mr.. Firth. whG
was in the rigging shouting TOR help.
Brady says he tried to get the crew to go &c
the rescue of Firth, but the sea was so heavy
that nobody would volunteer. Altogether
about $50 persons were saved, including Cap
tain Williams, also fourth officer Browu, the
Doctor, and several of the engineers and sailors
Not a single woman or child was saved. Nest
OF them, as we'll as hundreds OF the men were
drowned in their berths The steamer struck
about o'clock in the morning. The weather
at the time was dark, but not thick, and the
sea rough.
Steamers are going down tonight 10 render
what assistance they possibly can. All saved
from the wreck with the exception OF Brady
are still at Prospect where the fishermen are
giving them all the attention they possibly can
New YORK, April l.-among the cabin pas
sengers lost on the Atlantic the only ones now
known are VIM H. Merritt and wife, Of New
York, Miss Merritt, his sister, and Miss
Scrymser, sis,er-in.aw No list Of the pas<cn
gers can be obtained tonight.