The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-02-23
ABLAzE ON THE DEEP
The Scene Witnessed by Men Of
the Egyptian Monarch.
ALL ON BOARD THE SHIP PERSISTED

His wife Lost Because There
Were Not Enough Volunteers 70
Rescue Them.
NEW YORK, Feb PA story Of ship
wreck, disaster and death at sea, the
equal Of which in thrilling situations,
horror and sadness has not reached this
port in years, was reported today by the
officers Of the big Wilson line steamer
Egyptian Monarch, which arrived from
London after tempestuous voyage.
The actors in this marine tragedy have
all been lost. Their identity has been
swallowed by the deep sea, and naught
remains but the burned and blackened
hull Of their vessel, wcibh is floating
about on the trackless ocean.
Forty-five minutes after midnight on
the morning of Jan. III last the Egyptian
Monarch was in latitude A degs. and
longitude 43 degs., which is about 300
miles southwest of Queenstown. Sud-
miles Off, and the Egyptian Monarch
headed for it.
As the steamer approached those on
glasses, forms moving hither and thither
as If in wild confusion aboard the
doomed vessel. Flames leaped from the
aft hold and mounted to the topmost
rigging. The FIRE spread 80 rapidly that
Captain Irwin conjectured the vessel
must be an oil laden craft, and SO it
proved. Several times there were vio-
lent outburts of flame as il caused by
explosions, and at such times the vessel
would appear to be wrapped in flames
from stem to stern.
Before coming within Mailing distance
the forms of two persons could be seen
on the bowsprit Of the burning vessel.
Their arms were entwined about each
other. They had clambered almost to
the end of the bowsprit and for time
were free from the flames. Not another
soul was in sight. When the Egyptian
Monarch came within halling distance
those aboard could hear the cries OF the
doomed couple on the bowsprit.
The Captain and His Wife.
The persons ON the bowsprit were
made out to be very large man and
much smaller person, both dressed IN
sailors attire. The former was the cap
| tain OF the burning vessel and the latter
was his wife. Not another soul was on
board. The crew had taken their choice
between dying by fire or water, and they
chose the latter. They had leaped over
board and found quick death. The
captain and his brave wife stood by the
ship until the last, hoping against hope
that they would be saved. They had
retreated along the bowsprit as the
flames crept nearer and nearer.
When the Egyptian Monarch came
alongside the wife was clinging to her
husband, her arms clasped about his
neck. He chung to the bowsprit and
moved along inch by inch. As if to add
to the misery of the terrible occasion, a
furious squall sprang up and large hail
stones beat down on the unprotected
sailor and his wife. First Officer Bing-
ham, Second Officer Jordan and Third
Officer Kay were excited. Kay, who is
u brave man, called out: WHO viii
man boat with me and 60 to the res
cue OF that woman
Only Six Volunteers.
There were not brave men enough
aboard to go to the rescue. Only three
came forward. The rest were towards.
They hung back, afraid to risk their
lives. 10 man boat in such q sea
would require about at least fourteen
men. Six could no more control life
boat than could six infants, but they
tried it, nevertheless. The three officers
and three men launched their boat, but
the effort was useless. Their frail craft
was buffeted about by the waves and
wind until they We're exhausted. They
We're drawn back on deck just as the
boat filed and sank.
During this time the unknown vessel
burned Like furnace. The flames ate
through the bowsprit. Man and wife
saw their danger and with one last cry
called to those on the steamer to help
them. They were beyond help.
The Embrace OF Death.
They saw the flames draw nearer and
nearer; saw the howsprit bend under
the weight of the two forms, SAW the
frantic motions of the couple for help.
and at last saw them fall, clasped in one
long last embrace into the icy waters.
1t was many minutes before the men
ON the steamer spoke word There
were tears ON the weather beaten cheeks
of more than one of the crew, and their
hearts We're sad. Captain Irwin kept the
vessel steering about the burning hulk,
and did not leave the scene until 8
o'clock the next morning. How many
| lives were lost is not and never will be
known. The lost vessel is supposed to
| be the oil laden bark Lodinia, which
left this port on Jan, 2 bound for Liver
pool. Slid has not yet been heard from.
i
/ WhaIen Wanted Too Much