The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-28
A TALE OF THE SEA.
The Blood-Curdling Experience of Nor
wegian Seaman in the Lower Harbor
Necessity for a Marine Hospital.

One of the most curious combinations of cul-
minating accidents happened in indianapolis
yesterday afternoon. About 4 o'clock sailor
named Lars Nilsson, on board the Norwegian
bark Soenska, lying at anchor in the bay about
half a mile from Ederman's wharf and within
cables length of che upper light-ship, was sent
ashore TO have the vessels mud drum repaired.
1t was lifted into a yawl and Nilsson started
ashore. When ABOUT halfway to land he ran
afoul of a channel buoy. the mud drum shifted
and the yawl capszed. Instead of clin ging to the
overturned boat or even taking refuge on the
buoy, Nilsson confidently struck out for land.
He had not gone far until he was seized with
cramp in his leftleg. He gave a despairing cry,
threw up his hands and sinking, when a
shark MAIDS dart ut him and took off the leg be-
tween the hip and knee, as clean cut as though
done with knife. Thus relieved, the sailor
took courage and succeeded in reaching the
pier. After resting a moment he started through
Medkirk's iumber-yard, it being short cut
to st. orvette's Hospital. He had adj
vanced about half mile when
he saw a mad bull bearing down
on HIM. He sprang TO board-pile, but fell
while climbing, and broke his right thigh See
ing no other way OF escape, he pulled the lumber
Iuriated bull, though the lumber made COM
pound fracture of both arms. In few minutes
Ho was pleased TO see from his retreat tnat Tue
animal was frightened away by a lady waving
Mother Hubbard dress. With considerable diff
Guilty he dug himself out and proceeded
on his way. By this time it was
growing dark, and he had advanced
about four miles, having reached the other
side of the lumberyard, when he was assailed
by two foOtpads, who demanded his money.
Summoning all his energy, he knocked them
both down, aud tying their hands behind their
backs, drove them before him TO the central sta
ton, where he gave them in charge. He then
ran all the way TO the hospital, arriving there
at about o'clock. Journal reporter left ms
bedside At 2 this morning, at which time he was
resting easy, and with every indication of being
as good as new within few days. The shark
was caught by Captain Gallahad, of the bark
Melrose Castle, and Missions leg was
recovered. 1t is now knitting beautifully, and
doubtless will become as sound ever. An at
tempt was made to raise a purse, but as mo- one
present could talk Norwegian the project was
reluctantly abandoned. Nilsson is a native of
Nordjvic, is about twenty years of age, and
has wife ana eleven children, who live In his
native village. The case is of the saddest,
as well as one of the most remarkable, in some
respects, that ever came under the observation
of the Journals marine editor. Such examples
of heroic fortitude all too rare. 1t lie peril
nent now to again urge the building of a marine
hospital. The Journa! pointed out the necessity
of such a charity when the tug Seagun blew up
In the lower bay, year ago next month. Had
there been such an Institution, brave Lars Nils
son would have suffered further lncOn-
venience than the temporary loss of his good
left leg.