Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-04-07
THE NIGHT OF HORROR
Passed by The Survivors OF tho
Daniel Stsinmann.
AN ITALIANS WONDERFUL ESCAPE
The Steamer Sinks Without Warning, Drag
ging its Cargo of Hundred and
Thirty Souls Down to a
Watery Grave.

HALIFAX, April 6-The surviving three
passengers Of the Daniel Steinmann, VINO
are now in the city, state the vessel struck
but lightly twice. The captain then sum-
moned all on deck and directed them 10
prepare to enter the boats, If such should
be necessary. One boat was launched and
all made a rush for it, though good dlscl
pline was maintained among the ships
crew. The boat was we'll filled and at
tached to the steamer by rope. When
some of those on board were about cutting
the line the steamer suddenly sank, drag
eing the boat and occupants down with 1t.
The boat turned over and over and every
person in II was thrown out and droWaeo'
When the stern OF the vessel sank the
cries and screams Of the women and chill
dren were heartrending for few minutes.
Captain Scboonhayen made his way up the
Tore rigging, Two of the men caught the
rigging of the mainmast and endeayored
to climb along the stay between the neaos
of the two mssts. In this perilous posltlon
one lost his grasp and was wasnea away.
The other, John Neldermann, succeededi IN
reaching the fore rigging by desperate
effort in tine course Of which his legs
were seized by some one drowning
Above him on the mast, one OF the wire
uplifts OF the foretop gallant yard was
broken and this gave play 10 the varu
which worked back and forth with the
sclion of the waves aud threatened 10 tear
ont the mast. Tne mast quiyered ana
crashed alsrmingly. Tue captain, tearing
he would be Obliged 10 abandon MS dan-
eerous position and betake hlmselt 10
swim, pulled off his o1o:s. Ine Two
unfortunates from time to time crled
ont together for help, but the roar OF the
wind and waters drowned their feeble
cries, so that even If assistance had been at
hand il is doubtful if they could have oeen
ugard, They were doomed 70 pAIntul!y
watch the minutes and hours Throughout
he night till day break. In this dlsma
ws,ch they could feel the vessel drifting
nearer and nearer to Sambro island 10
adj to the horror OF their situation they saw
the blue lights burning on the shore anu
| signals to guide the boats to safety, whlie
conscious that they were beyond assistance
or relief. Soon after daylight boat put
out from the cove msnned by five men,
VITO approached them. The captain was
| by this time so benumbed that his CON
pRaiOn Neidermann, had to use torce 10
Gisergage him from the spsr and assist
him into the boat. He then followed and
both were landed exhausted and taken into
the light house, where their needs we're
promptly attended 10.
Remarkable Escape.
Among the curious incidents connected
With the escape of the seven persons
landed during the night,'one of the most
thrilling was that Of an Italian. He having
grasped the boat just after she lett tue
steamer, her occupants refused to take
him in because number OF other drown
| ing persons had seized his legs and bo ty
and it was certain the boat could not take
| lhem all without swsmping, as she was
| already half full OF water. The Italian at
| orce dove and thus shook oil those
| holding him. He soon reappeared at the
| surface and sg9in caught the boat. he was
| then taken in but was so exhausted that
| for time he was helpless. The boat was
| in danger Of foundering owing to the water
| that was constantly coming in, and those
| in her took of their boots 10 bail her out.
| The Italian at first refused to assist in this
| work, but on being threatened with being
| thrown overheard again unless he assisted
| to keep the boat free, made an effort to do
| go. Another singular escape was that
| Of Nickola, a lad of nineteen years. Just
| as the boat lef, lDc King steamer he
! iumped from the bridge, falling into the
boat on his head. He sustained no injury
| except having Que leg bruised. The young
/ est person on board so far as known, Was
| an infant three months old. Among those
| drowned was young couple married Just
| before the Stsinman sailed aRd had ex.
| oerienced only eighteen days OF welded
| lie. Several large families ptrished all
| together. One was a Sw SO family Of father,
mother and eight children another
wss g family from Holland of about the
| same size.