The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-01-21
WHAT THE STORM DID.

Disasters to Sailing Craft On the Atlantic
Coast - The Terrible Experience OF the
Crew of the Schooner Seabird--A Brave
Reseue--Wreck of the Cassie Wright--AIl
Hands Lost But One--A Terrible Ordeal.
NEW YORK, January lS.-Reports con-
tinue to come in from up and down the
coast of disasters to small sailing craft
engaged in the coasting trade. The Her
aid prints the following: "The schooner
Seabird, Captain Haskell, of Ellsworth,
Maine, which cleared on Thursday with
load of pig iron, bound from New York
to Boston, was wrecked of Gull Island,
Long Island Sound, on Saturday morn
ing during a binding snow-storm. The
Captain and the crew, which consisted
OF cook and four seamen, were rescued
by farmer named Corwin, and landed in
safety at Fresh Ponds, a small set
tlement near Batting Hollow. The
rescued men had a thrilling ex-
peTience and at one time had given up all
hope. The first two days Of the voyage
were uneyentful, the sea being as smooth
as glass. On Friday night, when of Gull
Island, binding snow storm, accom-
panied by northwest gale, set in. The
waves swept the decks and made it dan
gerouS for the crew to attend to their du-
ties. The wind, which had increased
in velocity, Whistled through the
sails and tumbled the fright
ened sailors about the decks
Toward morning the men who had been
on duty all night went below to get some
food. To their horror it was discovered
that the ship had sprung leak, and that
the water was rushing into the hold at a
frightful rate. Again the men went on
deck and the unequal struggle between
endurance and the angry elements was
renewed. All set to work bailing out
the ship. Forty tons OF pig iron were
thrown overheard, and an attempt
was made to anchor the YES
sci. The huge anchors, two in number,
were lowered into the sea, and Just as the
captain was cOngratulating himself on
having accomplished the feat successful
ly, a terrible gust of wind snapped the
chains. Then huge wave carried away
the yawl and another broke the rudder
The wind, not to be OutdOne, put out all
the lights, so darkness was added to other
misfortunes of the terror-stricken crew
Still, the men did not give up all hope.
They continued to work, although with
out food for tweDty-fOur hours.
The schooner, without Tudder, with
frozen sails, her yawl washed overheard,
her anchors gone and manned by a
starved and exhausted crew, drifted
about in the storm and wind. The out
look was black, and the Captain, although
he tried to look cheerful in the presence
of the crew, inwarIly felt that all chance
of saving the ship and all the men was at
an end. TIE bailing out of the water in
the hold was kept up all night, so when
the day dawncd the Seabird was still
afoat. Captain Haskell gave orders to
have the signal of distress hoiSted on the
main-mast. Luckily fora him and the
crew the signal was observed by brave
Long Island farmer living at Fresh Point.
who was on the beach at the time and saw
the signal, and, without heSitating a mo-
ment, set about constructing a raft of
tenders. The surf was running high at
the time, and it required dauntleSS cour-
q &c to reach the wrecked vessel in such
weather. Nevertheless, the brave man
made the venture. On board the Sea-
bird all hands were eagerly watching
their reScuer. The raft rode safely over
the waves and was soon alongside the
ship. AS it was very small, only one of
the crew at a time could be taken on
board, and six successive trips had to
be made before all were landed on
shore. The crew, who had suffered in
tenscly from hunger, cold and exhaus-
ton, were taken to Mr.. COrwin's house,
and given food and shelter. The vessel
is wreck.