Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-04-10
tApril .. 1891. 10 r. MI
The Ttus STORY OF the Wreck of the
0alopa az Nina.

BRooKLYN, April For the g rst time .
c,nuected explanation Ct the wreck OF the
United States corvette GAlsna and the tug
Nina, of Gay Besd, March IL last, was
made by Lieutenant Commander Bicknell
before the Court of Inquify at the Brock
yn Navy Yard. Bicknelrs statement,
which was submitted to the Court in writing
was first drafted at Massha's Vineyard,
Mass, two days after the accident. In it
he said:
"Ths weather bad been thick from
Eston's Point Lighthouse. But the fog
having lifted good departure was taken,
when four miles northeast Of North Block
Island Lighthouse, the barometer at Pm.
reading 20 So. having ceased falling, and
the wiad having changed to southwark and
westward. Some time after the lifting Of
the fog it became denser than before, yet
from my position ut this time deemed il
as safe to rua for Al anchorage in
Vineyard SQUAD as to run for Newport or
8 25 first heard fog signal Vineyard Sound
iigb ship on port pesm. and s. the sound
came sgsinst fresh wind judged we were
nearer to the lightship than proved to be
the case.
"At 10 10 stopped to changecou'se to
northsasr, three quarters north, to run TO
Tarpaulin Cove 10 anchor till the weather
cleared. The lead had been KEEP.
going and during this stop An up
down csst Of sixteen fathoms was
gotten. Having given course and instruc
ton to tug and while swinging to course
breakers were sighted on the port bow.
The helm was ported and the attention of
the tug called to the same. The tug being
so close to shore and from lead of tow line
steering so badly it was impossible t. swing
around. The Gsiens struck bow on and
swung parable to the beach, heading SOUTH
east, Gay Head Light bearing north per
compass. All hands were cotton on deck,
signals burned and tug whistle blown, and
after several unsuccessful attempts our
line was fl ,sted ashore just as rocket hne
was fred across the ship by natives using
apparatus furnished by the Massachusetts
Humane Society. Avsiisb!e boats were
cleared away, one only being lowered, be-
caused deemed i. better to remain on
board till day than to attempt lsndiog
ir that sea. The men were landed by
hreeches huoys travelling on q line from
five trussss designated by myself. This
operation took from 8 A. NJ. ill daybreak
Ensigu Field ard myseif remained until
20, when cut the line and we swung
ashore. think this cssuslty occurred be-
Cause the course ordered by me WAS not
seered by the tug. The behavior of the
officers and crew under trying circumstances
was good"
THIS statement was ssd aloud in presence
Of the crews Of both vessels. numbering
s6su. forty. Afterward each was asked
under oath If he had any objection to make
10 the statement or suything TO lay to the
charge Of any officer or man in regard to
the grounding of the Gslena or the Nina.
Wheelman Mar,insen, Mate Wilson and
Seamen Nelson snd E.gler objected to the
statement that the wreck was occasioDed by
the Nina rot steering the course ordsrod By
Bickneli from the Galens. Capt. Thomas
III. Smith, master Of tugs, also objected to
the narrative and Ensign Field said he
would have charge to make. The others
coLcurred and will no. be called.