Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-04-03
Disaster at Samoa.
How THE VESSELS WERE DESTROYED.
TBY CABLE TO THE HERALD

BY CABLE TO THE HERALD.
LONDON. March 81. 1889 Further par
ticulars of the disastrous storm at Apia have
inst been received. The hurricane burst
upon the barbor suddenly. The German
man of-wsr Eber was the first vessel to
drag her anchors She became unmanage
able and was driven belplessly on the reef
which runs around the harbor, striking
broadside on, at K o'clock in the morning.
The shock caused her to iurch and then
bound back, and she sank in a moment in
deep water. Macy of her men were below,
and scarcely soul of them escaped.
The German warship Adler was the next
To succumb She was lifted bodily by a
gigantic wave and cast on her beamends on
the reef. A terrible struggle for life ensu
ed among the officers and sailors aboard.
Macy plunged into the raging surf aud
struck out, SINE reaching the shore in safe
ty. Others clung to the rigging until the
rnss's fell Of the latter two Ga ned the
shore safely. The captain of the Adler and
several other officers were saved.
SUCCESSFUL MANOEUvRE.
In the meantime the United States
steamer Nipsic had been dragging her an
chors and drifting toward the shore. The
captain, however, managed to keep control
and ran her on sand bank. Boats were
Immediately lowered and the whole COM
pany we're saved with the exception of
seven men, who were drowned by the cap
sizing of boat.
The United States steamer Vandalia was
carried before the gale right upon the reef.
She struck with terrible shock, and Capt.
Schoonmaker was hurled against Gatliug
n ho
great sea swept the deck and washed him
away.
The vessel sank fifty yards from the Nip
sic Several OF the cffieers and men were
washed overheard and drowned. Others
persisted while making desperate Efforts to
swim to the shore. Some remained for
hours clinging to the rigging. but heavy
waves dashed INCREASINGLY over them, and
one by one they we're swept away.
By this time night had set in. Many ma
tives and Europeans had gathered on the
shore, and all we're anxious to render assist
ance to the wrecked vessels and their IN
fortunate crews, but darkness having fall
en- On the scene, they were wholly unable to
be of service.
THE TRENToN's FATE.
Soon after the Vandalia had sunk the
anchorage aud was driven upon the wreck
of the Vandalia, whence she drifted to the
shore. The bottom of the Trenton was
completely stove and her hold was half full
of water.
AS morning broke the German man Of
war Olga, which had hitherto braveIy With
stood the gale, although much battered by
the heavy seas that constantly broke upon
her, became manageable and was driven
upon the beach, where she lay in tolera-
bly, favorable position.
The following is record of the officers
and men LOST
THE DEATH ROLL.
Vandalia-The captain, four officers and
forty men.
Nipsic--Seven MEN.
Eber The captain, all the other officers
except one, and seventy six men.
Adler Altogether fifteen persons.
Mataafa sent number Of men who REQ :
dered splendid assistance in trying to float
the Olga.
A despatch from Berlin says:-"Emper-
or William was deeply moved by the news
of the Samoan disaster. He Immediately
telephoned to Prince Henry aud afterward
conferred with Count Won Moltke, Prince
Bismarck and others,