The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-06-30
TROUBLE At LoNo BRAxCn PIER.
Exoursionists Forced TO GO to Sandy Hook 20
Embark ON the Returning Boats

The steamboats, Plymouth Rock and Ade-
laidc swung awGy from Pier 1 within few
minutes OF each other. yesterday morning. and
made quick and PHEASANT trims TO Long Branch.
The Plymouth Rock landed her passengers
without difficulty at tho new iron pier. When
the Adelaide arrived there were no men on tho
wharf ready to catch her lines. and several II
her own hands were compelled to leap of and
make the lines fast.
At o'clock in the afternoon tho Plymouth
Rock arrived on the second trip. The sea was
now at lower tide. The breeze had shifted to
the northeast and the breakers were running
high of the end Of the pier. For an hour and
ahaf attempt nftor attempt was made to land the
passengers. but the wind was too strong and
the water too rough. The steamers three decks
were crowded with passengers waiting 10 land.
and on the pier were fully ilfeon hundred peo-
pie equally anxious to embark. Shortly before
7o'clock the boat ran close to the pier and tho
officers announced that she could not make y
90 take the train for Sandy Hook, whore the
Plymouth Rock would meet them. The throng
then made rush for the railroad depot.
In the mrnn time the Adelaide had arrived on
her second trip She Is much smaller boat
and was much more easily handled. She could
pot land on tue south side OF the pier where
landings are usually made. She was made
fast 10 the north side. and she pitched and
rolled violently. There were several narrow
when II was fully n foot away from the vessel
and as he was falling into the water. few
pier. and. nt the great risk OF their lives
jumped for the boat. and were caught
by the men on board before thoy fell.
Finally the tide became so low and the boat
tossed so violently that the gangplank could
pot be used. howhoats put out ana rescued tho
large floating plank. This was found TO be- use
less. II was lowered to the first story OF the
picrand the smallplankwas pushed out from the
end OF II. Ono man attempted to embark in
that way. The plank was laid on the Dulwarks
and between II and the second deck was a space
OF about three feet. The man was bending in
under this when the boat suddenly sunk Till he
was in great danger OF being crushed between
the plank and the second deck. 1t seemed rs
seized him. and he was rescued with crushed
hat and bruised head,
aged ~ years. and living in Long Branch. was
standing on the lower story of the pier He
wished to ascend to the upper story. but was
unable TO do so because persons were descend
ing on the ladder. just outside thu iron pier
are several wooden piles boltsd together with a
70 61ats and 10 tho pier. 4. Tho Adelal ie swing
against them they would bend IN and shnko tho
pier. Bennett climbed one OF these pilea. AS
be neared the top. the Adelaide swung in, and
Bennett was caught and crushed by the
sirinRpiece which laid across his middle.
He gave n honrse cry and clunR TO the pier
with his hands. His legs hung useless.
He tried vainly To- pull himself up; The blood
was forced into his face. which became livid.
His head fell and he was loOsenng his hold
when a dozen hands seized him and dragged
him on the pier. The lower part Of his body
appeared 10 be badly crushed. Ho became in
sensible. and was borne OF the pier to a drug
store. 1t was thought on the boat that Bennett
had received fatal Injuries. He was known by
the nickname Of " Gnunt," and his brother was
called Ghostie." They formerly travelled to-
gether with u minstrel show.
This accident caused great excitement ON the
pier. No more attempts were made to embark.
Excursl loniSts on the pier were told to go home
of her cables. and started for New York arriy-
ing at 1918 In the evening.