The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-04-10
The Samoan Disaster.

LONDON, March 31.-Additional
particulars of the disastrous storm at
Apia have just been received. A hur-
ricane burst upon the harbor suddenly.
The German man-of-war Eber was the.
first vessel to drag her anchor. She be-
came unmanageable and was driven
helplessly upon the reef which runs
around the harbor. She struck broad
side on at 6 o'clock in the morning.
The shock caused her to lurch and to
stagger hack and she sank in moment
in deep water. Most of her men were
under matches and scarcely a soul of
them escaped.
The German war ship Adler was the
next to succumb. She was lifted bodi-
ly by a gigantic wave and cast on her
beam ends OH the reef. A terrible
struggle for life ensued among the Off
GERS and sailors. Many plunged into
the raging surf and struck out, some
reaching the shore in safety. Others
clung to the rigging until the masts
fell. Of those in the rigging only two
gained shore. The captain of the Adj
Ter and several other officers were saw
ed.
Meantime the United States steamer
Nipsic had been dragging her anchors
and drifting towards the shore. The
captain, however, managed to keep
control and ran her on sand bank.
The boats were Immediately lowered,
and the whole company were saved
with the exception of six men. These
were drowned by the capsizing of
boat.
The United States steamer Vandalia
was carried before the gale right upon
the reef. She struck with terrible
shock, hurling Capt. Schoonmaker
against Gatling gun, and he fell stun
ned. Before he could recover a great
wave swept the deck and he was wash
ed away with others into the sea. The
vessel sank fifty yards from the Nipsic.
Several of the officers and men were
washed overheard and drowned. 9th
ers perished while making desperate
efforts to swim to shore. Some remain
ed for hours in the rigging, but the
heavy and swift succeeding waves
dashing over them carried them offone
by one.
BY this time night had set in.
Many natives and Europeans had
gathered on shore, all anxious to rem
der assistance to the unfortunate crews,
but owing to the darkness they were
wholly unable to be of service.
Soon after the Vandalia had sunk,
the American war ship Trenton broke
from her anchorage and was driven up
on the wreck of the Vandalta, whence
she drifted to shore. The bottom OF
The Trenton was completely stove in
and her hold was half full of water.
AS morning broke the German man
of-war Olga, which had hitherto with
stood the gale although much battered
by the heavy seas that constantly broke
unon her, became unmanageable and
she was driven upon the beach where
she lay in II tolerably fair position.
The following is the record Of the
officers and men lost: .
Eber, captain and all other officers
except one, and seventy-four men.
Vandalia, captain, four officers and
forty men.
Nipsic, seven men.
Adler, altogether fifteen persons.
Mataata sent number of men to the
assistance of the ships. They rendered
splendid aid in floating the Olga.
MORE SHIPS ORDERED TO SAMOA.
WASHINGTON, April 1.-The Navy
is making every effort to
secure an adequate representation at
Samoa. Orders were sent out to-day
to have the Richmond, the Alert and
the Adams sent to Apia at the earliest
practicable moment.
SUPPLIES FOR THE SHIpWXEcKEre
SEAMEN.
SAN FRANCISCO April In naval
and shipping circles the question has
been discussed as to the best and ear
liest means for getting supplies from
here to Samoa, if this government
should deem it advisable to send thenl
to the shipwrcrked officers aud sea-
men.