The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-05-11
WENT ON THE ROCKS.
Steamer ]. C. Britain Wrecked
in Rosario Straits.
STRUCK BELLE ROCKS MAFoo.
Loaded with Lime, which Catches Fire
Marrow Escape Of the Crew
Vessel and Cargo Total Loss.

The freight steamer J. C. Britain, Capt Nc.
Donald, loaded with lime from Roche Harbor to
Everett, was wrecked on Belle rocks, in Rosario
straits. yesterday morning The J. c. Britain
10 owned by the Everett Trading
transportation Company, composed OF
Capt 4. H. Mitchell and c. II.
Boynton, both of Everett, and the
first news of the disaster received in Seattle was
conveyed ia q telegram 70 4. 4. Game, owner OF
the Rapid Transit, 10 take that boat to the wreck
and try 10 save the cargo OF lime. Mr.. Game
Immediately left with the Rapid Transit to the
scene OF the wreck.
Last evening w. Harrison, who was on board
the J. c. Britain at the time of the accident,
and in the wheel house with the mate. Andrew
Hennessy, who was at the wheel, arrived in Sc
attic and told the following story of the disaster:
The J. c. Britain left Roche Harbor ct II
O'clock midnight, with 500 barrels OF lime aud
20 tons Of Lime rock. Everyihing =, was al.
approaching. Belle rocks. AS We came
OUT OF the pass we ran into
thick fog. which was just like wall: Before
this the weather had been Gear. The mate,
Hennessys was at the wheel, and was in the
wheclhouse. When We entered the fog the
mate gave the slow bell. bus there
was strong tide which ran like
mill race, and we had only been in the fog few
minutes when we struck the rocks, at 81 10 a. m.,
just alter daylight The boat struck amidship
orders were at once given to back, but she was
last with q hole in her bottom, through which
water came into the hold. she listed badly to port
and filled rapidly, the lime taking fire. The
crew aud the captain were in their hunks at the
time and were Immediately aroused. The life
boat was gotten out and 1t was not over ten
minutes until we left the steamer, but
the barrels af lime were already bursting
and popping like big fire crackera Great vol
umes Of steam poured out OF her as soon as the
water entered, and before we got any distance
away the flames shot up.
We started to go across to Fidalgo island, but
the strong tide took ia the other WAY. Capt.
Mcdonald wanted to get the steamer success to
go to the scene to save whatever could be saved.
After After we had, had dr.itsd couple OF mile;
up by the tug Hoiyoke aud taken to
Auacor;es. where / got aboard the Wasco and
came here. The tug Holyoke was on the way TO
Wnatcom Capt. Mcdonald aud Mate Hennessy
wanted 10 remain on the Britain. There were
eleven OF u.s. ali told, on the steamer at the time
OF the accident, and We all got oh
safely. 1t was fortunate that the
water was quiet. l passed within sight
OF the wreck on the Wasco coming to Seattle,
and the fre was nearly out at that time. One
very bid. Just after the Britain struck, hun.
dreds OF rats came out OF the hold and
ran upon the bow, which was highest out of
water. Nothing was saved.
A telegram from Port Townsend says that
Capt. Mcdonald returned to the steamer in the
afternoon with a crew Of men and
engaged In throwing the cargo over
board. Capt Bailey, OF the tug Holyoke. said
that when he picked up the crew their boat had
half filled with water and they were thoroughly
soaked. He passed the steamer in the afternoon
and said he should not consider her a total loss
The Britain WAS valued at about $1,000 or
5000 aud was insured in the Sun Company for
5000.
There was formerly q bell buoy on Belle
10Y has been put in its place. The wreck lies
very near this buoy.