The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-11
THE OCEANIC DISABLED.

She Bursts Her Cylinder and Puts Back
to Port-Excitement Among the Pas
sengers Allayed-Possiblc Detention for
Three or Four Days-The Accident Dis
covered in Time-Detention or the
Mails.
The steamship Oceanic, OF the White Star lire,
was advertised to sail yesterday afternoon She
had q very full complement OF cabin passengers,
numbering about one hundred and fifty, besides
few In the steerage. great many persons were
assembled to see the vessel OF, and all was going
on under the happiest auspices. Among the pas
sengers was Miss Emily Faithful, who has been
on ecturing tour in this country. At three
precisely the great ship moved out from the
wharf and swung into the stream amid great wav-
ing Of handkerchefs and signs and tears, as usual
All went well as the Oceanic steamed down the
bay and passed out Of the Narrows into the outer
bay. When about two miles from Sandy Hook the
Chief Engineer, Mr. G. watson reported that one OF
the cylinders had received some damage Captain
w. w. Riddle, accompanied by the Chief Onicer, J.
w. Shackford, went down to the engine room and
examined the cylinder. 1t was one OF four which
were all in use at the time. On examina-
ton 1t was found that crack had ex-
tended across the face OF the cylin.
der, which itself is about two feet in
from RIM 70 RIM ama tnat steam ID
damage at the time appeared slight to the Captain,
and he determined to proceed on his voyage in
spite or the nav. The steamship was kept under
neadWay all the time, and was rapidly approaching
the ocean. About fifteen minutes alter the Chlef
Engineer reported that the crack had extended and
that steam was escaping in copious quantities.
The captain then again went down to the engine
room, taking with HIM all the officers but the fourth,
ana the cylinder was again examined. IL was then
perceived that the crack, which at first appeared
80 magnificent had widened, and that the steam
was now escaping In great quantity. ccnsuta-
ton was Immediately held and IL was decided to
turn Dack and make the port again. The face OF
tne cynder Is made OF cast iron, about six inches
III thickness. and held together by wrought iron
RIM Inc entire lace Of the casting had broken open
ABOUT one-sixteenth OF an inch II appears that
THIS lace had been put on new at the last st0ppage
IN Liverpool, and was thought to be In perfectly
safe condition.
The Oceanic Immediately turned her head land
small excitement among the numerous passengers.
The captain brought them together and immedi-
atey explained the circumstances without any
Ierglversation, and the passengers were quoted.
Iney generally expressed perfect confidence in the
v YES, and In the Captain. About seven O'Clock
ana cast anchor opposite her wharf in the
stTeam. tender came alongside and took
Oh Oh lew OF the passengers, among Others
MISS raltnlull. This lady, however, will re-embark
lormeu tnem that the ship would probably set sail
again ABOUT halfpast two p. M. to-day. He said.
however, that II the cylinder could not be repaired
anu tnat new casting would be necessitated, IL
woulu proDably be not before Wednesday or
Inursday that the vessel would be able TO leave
ing the 0mcers for c0ncealing the truth rom
tnem, tnough one OF the passengers says tnat the
lact OF crack In the cylinder existing was known
W tine omcers before leaving, but tnas Was