The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-01
THE SAMOAN DISASTER.
FURTHER PARTICULARS ABOUT THE
GREAT MISFORTUNE.
The Wrecked Ships Literally Piled One
Upon the Other in the Harbor--
No Less Than l6o Men
Lost Their Lives.

LoSnoN, March 3i.-Further particulars Of
the disastrous storm at Apia have just been
received. The hurricane burst upon the
harbor suddenly. The German min Of war;
Eber was the first vessel to drag her anchor
She bacame unmanageable and was driven
on the reef which surrounds the harbor.
She struck broadside on at o o'clock In the
morning. The shock caused her TO lunch
and to staggcr back, and she sank in q
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 bodily by 81.
gantio wave and cast on her beam ends on
the reef a terrible struggle for life ensued
among the officers and sailors aboard Many
plunged into the raging surf and struck out,
some reaching the shore IN safety. Others
chung 20 the rigging until the masts fell. OF
those In the rigging only two gained the
shore. The captain ot thcAdler and several
other officers were saved.
Meantime the United States steamer Min.
sic had been drawing her anchors and drift
ing toward the shore. The captain, however
managed 10 keep control and ran her on n
sandhank. Boats were Immediately lowered,
aud the whole company were saved, with
the exception Of six men. THESE were
drowned by the capsizing Of boat
By this time night set In. Many natives
and Europeans had gathered on the shore
all anxious 30 render assistance 10 the un.
fortunate crews, but owing 10 the darkness
they were wholly unable 10 be OF service.
Soon after the Vandnlia had sunk the
American war ship Trenton broke from her
anchorage. and was driven upon the wreck
Of the Nnndalia whence she driftcd 10 the
shore. The bottom Of the Trenton was com
pletcly stove In aud her hold was half full
ol water.
The United States steamer vnndnlla was
carried before the gale right upon the reef.
She struck with a terrible shock hurling
the captain against a gatling gun, and lac
| fell stunned. Before he could recover q
great wave swept the deck and washed him
and Others away into the sea. The vessel
sank fifty yards from tho N psic, aud several
OF the officers and men went down with her.
Others pciishcd while making desperate
| efforts 10 swim tO the shore. Some Of the
ships company tried 10 save themselves by
clinging 20 the rigging, but heavy and swift.
running waves dishcd over them and one
/ by one they were swept away.
| A. morning broke the German man-of.
war Olgn, which had hitherto withstood the
/ gale, although much battered by the heavy
| seas that constantly broke upon her became
unmanagcablc and was driven upon the
beach, where she lay In tolerably favorable
| position.
TIE following Is list of the lost:
| Ebcr-fhc Captain and all other officers
except one, aud scvcnty.siN men.
Vandalia-The Captain, four officers ant
/ forty men.
| Nlpsic-Scycn men.
| Adlcr-Altogcthcr. fifteen persons
Mntnnfn sent number Of his men 10 thI
assistance Of the wrecked ships. They rcn
dcrcd splendid aid In trying to float th'
Ola.