The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-07-26
Mio-ocEAN PERiLs.
How an Atlantic Steamer Was Saved From
Destruction by Fire.

Destruction by Fire.
Many persons think that too much
power is vested in the captain, but as
accidents occur suddenly there is no
time to hold a meeting and discuss
what is best to be done; the most SER
ious results might ensue while the
question was being decided.
In order to prove the truth of my
statement | will narrate one incident
from my experience, which took place
when / was in command of the Baltic
in 1873.
We were about half way across the
Atlantic on our passage to Liverpool
| went down to the saloon that day, as
usual when the weather permitted, to
take my lunch. and was sitting at the
table talking with those near me.
Happening to turn around, | saw my
servant entering the door, and was in
stantly aware by his agitated appear
ancc that something was wrong.
He came up to me and. speaking in q
low tone. so as not to be heard by
others. said: '.The ship is on fire for
ward. sir" For one moment my heart
leaped into my throat and my blood ran
cold. Fire on board ship in the middle
of the Atlantic Ocean is no tritiing mat
ter. / knew that there was large
quantity OF cotton on board, and. as
we had but few Storage passengers, it
had been slowed in the compartment
usually allotted to them. and | realized
at once the danger we were in. Not
laid down my knife and fork. arose
from my chair and went on deck. The
sight that met my eyes was appal-
ling. Smoke and flames fully six feet
in height were pouring out of the for
ward ventilators. The hose had been
connected and the pumps started. All
the men were at work making every
effort to subdue the fire, but thus far had
made no visible impression upon it.
Although no alarm had been given, the
passengers soon heard that the ship
was on fire, and one and all rushed on
deck. They stood pale and terrified,
looking alternately at the flames and
at me to see what steps l was about to
take; but there was no screaming nor
any sign of panic.
soon discovered that nothing could
be done through the ventilators, and Or
dered them to b. cover with tarpaulins.
l then had the matches removed to
reach the source from which the fire
originated. AS soon as the hatch way
was opened dense black volume OF
smoke arose. followed by flame. The
water that was then poured down had
not the least effect, and l saw that there
was no time to lose il the ship was to
be saved.
At the time this disaster occurred she
was running before a strong westerly
gale and heavy sea. An idea suddenly
flashed through my mind. and at once
determined to act upon it. l went up
on the bridge and, calling to all who
were on deck. told them to get under
cover as quickly as possible. imme-
diate'y ordered the helm to be put to
port, bringing the sea nearly abeam.
A tremendous wave broke on board,
filling the hatchways and flooding the
deck. Tons of water poured down be-
low. and instead of black smoke Issuing
from the hatch, saw a cloud of steam
ascend, proving that the fire was under
control.
l kept the ship before the wind and
sea, and set all hands to work hosting
up bales of cotton. In about an hour
they reached the place where the fire
commenced, and l had the satisfaction
OF seeing it very soon extinguished. AL.
though the passengers were very much
frightened. there was but little commo.
ton, and / must give them the credit OF
manifesting wonderful self-control I'M
der the exciting circumstances. North
American Review