The sun., 1890-01-13
STRUCK A ROCK AND SUNK.
DISASTER TO THE SOUND STEAMER
CITY OF HoRCESTER.
In a Dense FOG She Runs on = Roulds.

VIII UT WVhNhoAhhs
| In q Dense Fog She Runs on = Boulder
Near BnrtIetCs Reef LiEhtshiP-The
Passengers Landed mt New London-vss-
sci and Cargo VIII Doubtless be Saved.
NEW LONDON, Jan. 12.-The palace steamer
City OF Worcester went on the rocks near Bart
letts Reef lightship at l2:45 this morning In q
dense fog, on her trip up from New York. She
struck the fog off New Haven and slowed down
to half speed. When near Bauletts Reef light
ship. Capt. Ward and the first and second pilots
were in the pilot house. and say that they
failed to hear the bell from the lghtshlp ut
about the time It should have been heard.
judging from the speed at which
the steamer was proceeding Not hear
ing the bell the engine was slowed
down and frequent soundings were made,
showing depth OF II feet At intervals be-
tween the soundings succession OF light
shocks were felt. as though the vessel was
scraping along the surface OF rocks. Suddenly
the steamer struck o rock hiEher than the
rest where che Immediately settled. and where
she now lies. about one-third OF q mile north
northwest Of Bartlett's Reef lGhtshlp. Just
before she struck. the lead registered 25 feet.
Distress signals were Immediately sounded.
and the ifeboats were lowered. The Captain
and officers went among the passengers and
assured them that there was no need TO be
frightened. Lie preservers were distributed,
and the confidence which the officers expressed
allayed all fears. The steamer Narragansett
OF the StoninCton line heard the signals OF dis
tress, but instead OF coming to the assistance
OF the City OF Worcester. proceeded on her
course to Stonington. whence the Captain i'm
mediately sent short despatch to Agent Prem
tis at New London. stating that the City Of
Worcester was ashore or disabled at Bartlett's
Raafb praptis at mi n n tod
with President Clark Of the Norwich line. who
resides at North Stonington, and that gentle
man came by team to this city.
There were fifty or more passengers on the
steamer. and their safety or danger was un-
known. Mr.. Clark Immediately sought ex-
Superintendent Gardner, who was connected
with the line up to month or two ago. and re-
quested him to take charge OF affairs, he being
an old steamboat man, and for several years
superintendent Of the line. 1t was then well
on toward morning, and q state OF anxiety con-
cerninR the safety of the steamer existed.
Wrecker 4. A. Scott was ut once
put in service. 1t was thus that
ex-superintendent Gardner and President
Clark reached the steamer the tug feeling its
way through the dense fog, and, TO their de-
light, found the vessel resting easily, the pas
eengers safe. and the cargo undanageq. The
first thing to be done was to transfer the pas
dated on board the tug and landed at the
steSmboot company's wharf bore soon after7
for their % destination. Their baggage will fol-
low them when recovered from the steamer.
The passengers having been cared for, CAPT
Scott returned to the steamer with lighters
and the remainder of the day was given to the
transfer OF the cargo to the companys wharf.
board 1850 bales Of cotton. In the meantime
the Merritt Wrecking Company o. New York
was communicated with. and at 7. NJ. wreck
ing from that pOmDRly it6
way to the scene OF the disaster. An exami-
nation Of the steamer was attempted but at
been TheFe "sS IS ve Zee, ao Of wafer
in her hold. and she is lying IN twelve
tide hence the tightening was not very effective
in relieving her her. The forward end eompart.
partment are full OF water, Tho other. the
rSess be IN ne kep tree reS
from the bottom. but leaks at the bull kbead.
AtsP. NJ. all OF the steamers cargo had been
round boulders. her bow slightly raised.
There is a marine insurance Of $4,000 on the
steamer and an insurance Of $4,000 on the
Can't. Ward says that the steamer was
under half speed after leaving Cornted Light.
She She struck After some time had elapsed, and
not being able to raise Bartettss, Reef light
then 25 feet Just before striking The steamer
was evidently on her course eb oneiGTartsr
with tho strong flood tide. 4
very unfayorable opinion is expressed
here at the Steamer Narragansett not attempt
ing to assist the Worcester in any way. She
might have sent q lifehoat to ascertain the
condition OF the steamer. but instead kept on
to Stonington. and then notified the agent OF
the company here The passengers and cargo
we're transferred to the compapy's wharf here
without accident. and the freight and baggage
Of the passengers is now beng sent to their
destination. Tho steamer City Of Boston has
Worcester's place on the line tonight,
and the City OF Lawrence will take the Bos-
toms place SO that the business of the com
pany can continue uninterrupted. Although
there was lively breeze at midnight. 1t is not
expected to affect the position OF the steamer.
and the wrecking company will be able to ham
die her with ease to-day. President Clark and
ex-Superintendent Gardner are confident Of
her being saved.