Connecticut western news., 1888-02-08
STORY OF THE SEA.
The Heroism of Members of a Ship
 wrecked Crew.

A thrilling story of heroism is told by Capt. Winter of Gloucester schooner Finance, which was wrecked few days ago off Blanche Island N. s. When off Seal Island, on Jan. 20, the schooner encountered terrible gale, accom- panied by intense cold. They hove 10 for three days. Then the weather moderated 8 little, but there were signs of another gale and, having short supply of coal, the captain decid- ed to make for Shelburn. Progress was difficult, binding snow squalls making it impossible to see any lights. At about 3 o'clock Thursday morning the schooner struck on the ledge of Blanche Island, and was run over it, grinding and pounding heavily. The rudder was torn of, and it seemed as though every beat on the rocks must break the vessel up. The wind was bowling wildly, and the breakers dashed up all around them. It was necessary to get line to shore to land the crew. The chances were hundred to one that the man who took the line would loose his life; but if he did succeed in getting 10 land the lives of all might be saved.
 Fred Bryant, believed to be from Bath, Me, tied one end of the rope around his body and attempted to reach the island. He was tossed about by the waves and hurled back His com rades tried to pull him on board, but, bruised, benumbed, and exhausted. the brave fellow was unable to help himself, and he was swept by the undertow under the vessel The rope slipped over his body, caught his boots, pulled them off and he was drowned. Then another of the crew, George Johnston, took one end of the rope, tried to get to land, but only to be pulled back on board. half pershcd by the cold and thoroughly exhausted It began to look as though all must quickly give up hope and await the breaking up of the vessel, when their fate would be that of their comrade, Bryant.
 The sea was now washing over the vessel ! and the end seemed near. when third man essayed to get to land. James Mckiver, an | Englishman, had rope tied aronnd him, and | went into the boiling surf He was beate n
 back again and again, but with wonderful courage and endurance he kept on. His boots were torn of, his oilskin was stripped from him, but still he kept on, and finally reached the island barefooted and almost perishe with cold. But his work was not yet ended, The brave fellow dragged the rope out of the sea, braced his bare feet against the icy shore, and held the line tight until another one of the crew got to land on it. Then Mckiver sank dying to the earth.
 The rest of the crew got safely to the Island by means of the rope and did all in their power to rally their perishing comrade, who had risked his brave life that they might live, but there was no shelter of any kind on the island, and their efforts to save him were in | yain Morning came, and the shivering, | freezing crew saw where they were. fright ful sea was running between them and the mainland. The men at Blanche saw the peril | of the crew, but knew that it would be simply madness to attempt to launch boat in such a
 sea The following afternoon at ebb tide they
 helped the crew over tho bar. Poor McKiver
 breathed his last few moments after help | arrived