The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-22
SWEPT OVERHEARD.
The Corona Struck by a Terrible
Sea On the Bar.
]. C. Bailey Of San Diego and Waiter James
Curtis Drowned While Entering the
Harbor-A Very Rough Passage.

While ths steamer Corona was crossing the bar
on her way into the harbor, about 10:45 o'clock
yesterday morning, an accident occurred By
which two men lost their lives.
The bar was very rough, but the Corona Is 4
hrst-class bar boat and Captain Hall did not
think II admissible TO remain outside rs long as
lie had daylight ana the weather was clear
1here was large crowd Of passengers on board,
and many OF them were on the hurricane deck,
while some stood on the after part of the main
deck watching the big seas as they rolled around
the steamer.
None of those on the main deck, among whom
were j. c. Bailey OF San Diego, and James Curtis
waiter, had thought of danger until warn
ing cry of Hold on for your liyes!' rang out as
the steamer plunged into The heavy seas rolling
on the bar. The first two seas were passed in
Safely and those on deck thought the danger was
over, when terrific wave that lowered high
above the hurricane deck was seen rolling
toward the vessel with frightful speed.
THE MAIN DECK DESERTED.
Most OF the people on the main deck rushed
Into the state-ro0ms, and not a moment 100 soon,
as tn big wall of water broke over the vessel,
and in an Instant the state-rOoms on tue star
board side were flooded. several doors torn from
the hinges and tons of water poured into the
saloon, while the staunch steamer trembed as IL
she had struck rock.
All was confusion among the passengers az
most OF them thought that the sieDmer had
struck. but their fears were soon alayed when
the vessel gid into the comparatively smooth
water Inside the bar. 1t was then that the
friends OF Mr.. Bailey missed him. and search OF
the steamer was made, but lie could not bo
found, and those on board realized that he had
been caught by The big wave and swept TO his
death In The foamlng breakers.
TWO MEN OVERHEARD.
By that time the steamer was nearly In to the
Tort and OF course could render no assistance to
the poor fellow, who could not have lived five
inlnules In such sea. James Curtis, the waiter,
was not missed until the steamer reached her
berth at Broadway and the crew was called 10
memoered that the last seen OF him was when lie
stood talking 10 MIR. Bailey just before the big
wave struck the steamer, and II was then appar-
ent that two lives Instead OF one had been lost in
that wild waste of water.
From nephew of MIR. Bailey, who was on
board the steamer. 1t was learned that lie resided
In San Diego and was on his way TO this city on
a pleasure Trip, and expected To return 10 hts
home. where lie had left a fond vile and several
children. The sad news was telegraphed to his
widow, with the information that his newpew
would remain in hope that the body would be
washed ashore.
HIS FIFTH AND LAST TRIP.
James Curtis. the waiter, was resident OF
this city and was brother of Mr. Curtis, the
wrl-knOwn steward OF the UmatilIa. He has
been In The service OF The Pacific Coast Steam
ship Company for several years, but had only
been on tile Corona five trips. He was single
man, about 30 years OF age, and well liked by all
who knew him.
the Corona had very rough passage up the
coast, having had to contend with strong
northwest gale nearly all the way. The weather
was so bad that several OF the passengers de-
clded 10 lulsh the journey by rail- aud Tor this
purpose left the steamer at San Luis ODispO.