Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-07-17
CYCLONE HORROR.
The Steamer Sea Wing Blown
Over In Lake Pepin.
An ALMOST UNPARALLELED CALAMITY
HearIy All Of the 100 People on bOAro
Drowned-Desperate Efforts at Hes
cue In the Darkness-Ter-
rfbls Experiences,


and damaging property to an extent
that at this writing can not be esti-
mated.
Ths frst signs of the coming disaster
were clouds which appeared to De an
ordinary electric storm coming up from
the west In half an hour the whole
heavens were converted into complete
canopy OF lightning which was watched
with Interest by the brave citizens In
che little village and with fear by the
timid women and children.
A little before dark terrific wind
struck the community and the next mo-
rnent trees and houses were being de-
molished in its path.
As soon as the storm had passed II
was found that disaster had befalleD
the place that had not been equaled
since the St Cloud cyclone several years
ago. People began to gather in the
streets, and in few moments the news
Nas scattered abroad that an excursion
boat with over 200 people on 1t was cap
sized In the middle of Lake Pepin. The
boat proved to be the steamer Sea Wing,
which came down the lake from Dia-
mond Bluff, a small place about seven
teen miles north of hero on an
excursion to the encampment OF
the First regiment of the Nation
sl Guard of the State of Mime
sofa, which is being held mile below
this city. The steamer started back on
the homeward trip about eight o'clock,
and although there were signs of an ap-
preaching storm 1t was not considered
in any way serious, and no danger was
anticipated.
The boat was crowded TO its fullest
capacity, about $50 men, women and
children from Red Wing and Diamond
Bluff being on board, and about fifty
people on barge which was attached
70 the side OF the steamer. When about
opposite Lake City the boat began to
feel the effects Of the storm, but the Of
6cers kept on the way. The storm in
creased as the boat continued up the
lake, and in fifteen minutes was at its
height.
Nearing the central point about two
miles above Lake City, the steamer was
at the mercy Of the waves, which were
now washing over the boat and all was
confusion. The boat momentarily ran
on to bar and the barge was cut loose
and the steamer again set adrift in the
lake A number of those on the barge
jumped and swan ashore.
As the barge also foated again into
deep water those on the barge saw the
steamer as it was carried helplessly out
into the middle of the lake, and as they
were being tossed about on the raging
waters they were Mortified moment
later to see the steamer capsize and its
cargo of15O people precipitated into the
lake. Those on the barge remained
there until they drifted nearer the shore
and they were all rescued or swan
ashore. Among them were two ladies,
who were brought to the beach by
strong and ready swimmers. There
were about fifty in all that were on the
barge.
The events that transpired on the
steamer after it separated from the
barge are probably most clearly re-
lated by those who were rescued from
II about midnight. AS soon as the storm
had begun to affect the progress Of the
boat Captain Weathern gave instruo-
tions to run the boat into the Wisconsin
shore but 1t was too late. In five min
utes more the waves began to wash into
the boat and fill its lower decks, while
hailstones as large as hens eggs came
down on the heads of the poor and help
less creatures who we're huddled TO-
gether on the top. A huge wave struck
the craft on the side at the same mo-
ment that terrific blast of wind more
forcible than the others came up and
carried the boat over.
All of the people on board, $50 or
more, were thrown into the water, some
being caught underneath. The boat
turned bottom upward, and only about
twenty-five people were observed to be
floating on the surface. These caught
hold of the boat and climbed upon the
upturned bottom, and those first secur-
ing a position assisted the others
In ten minutes more the twenty-five
or 50 who had obtained momentary
safety on the boat could observe no
others OF the boat crew or passengers
floating on the surface of the continu-
ing high sea of waves
Afterward, however, as a flash OF
lightning lighted up the surface of the
lake the sight OF an occasional white
dress of drowning woman or child was
observable, but IT was impossible fol-
those who witnessed the horrible sight
TO lend any aid.
Those remaining began calling fol
help from the shore as soon as the storm
began to abate, and in half an hour
lights were observed fitting around OF
the pier at Lake City, opposite which
point the upturned steamer had nov
been driven.
Before help could reach them, how
ever, the poor creatures who yet re-
manned to tell the horrors of the night
were again submitted to another battle
with the elements, with no word O.
warning, and as they were just begin
ming to hope that they would be tsker
of by the citizens of Lake City, the boa
again turned over, this time on its side
end again all of the twenty-five remain
ing souls were hurled into the water. o.
these several were drowned before they
could be brought to the boat by those
who succeeded in remaining afoat and
again securing hold on the boats side
As the men hung on to the railing, in
danger each moment of being washed
away by the waves, one man observed
tne Torms OF two women wedged in be-
tween . stationary seat and the boats
side. both pale in death. As the light
ming CLEANS lit up their upturned faces
another man saw two little girls float
ing past him as he hung with desperate
snort TO the steamers side.
Captain Howard, who owns boat on
the lake refused to venture out. ana
people were severe in their denuncia.