Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-07-26
OUT OF CHANNEL.
Steamer WiWurna Runs Onto
Ledges, above Bath.
George Hatch Thrown Overheard by
Shock and Loses His Life.
'IIot Takes Steamer Out Of Regular Course
Despite Captains Protest.

RICHMOND, July 25.-(Specisl The
Richmond band started on an excursion, this
morning, for Heron Island, on the steamer
Wiwurna, Capt. G. A. Low, of the Eastern
Steamship Co., Bath. There were about
l25 in the party, the weather was good and
delightful time was anticipated. When
The narrows, above Bath, was reached and
Winslow's ledges showed up ahead, divid-
ing the two channels, the bard was playing
and everyone was enjoying the music aud
the sail.
Just above the ledges the pilot in chaI ge
OF the boat, against the wishes of Captain
Low, decided to take the eastern
passage, and in so doing, ran
the boat to the westward of the
black buoy, carrying the boat into shoal
water, where she struck with terrific
shock. Tha people shouted and screamed,
steam pipes were burst, enveloping every
thing in hot steam, the boat careeDed till it
was thought she would capsized and every
one was terrified.
In moment it was seen that q man wss
overheard and it proved to be George f
Hatch of Richmond, telegraph operator
and agent at Forest Hill, Mass. Settees
and life preserv rs were thrown to him and
brave Mate Kennedy jumped overheard to
the rescue.
The swift current bore Hatch
away from the boat and he struck
out for the shore. The distance wss too
great, hampered as he was by his clothes,
and. although he was an expert swimmer,
he soon sank.
HIS mother and two sisters were on the
boat. and together with all others, were
completely overcome by grief.
The Wiwurna slid OFF the rocks in dis
abled condition and drifted down river. A
boat was lowered as soon as possible, but
the steamer was half mile away and only
brave Mate Kennedy was in sight, clinging
to settee.
The tug Seguin was within calling dis
tance, and four whistles, the signal for
help, was sounded, but no attention was
paid to them, the Seguin proceeding, though
her people must have seen the trouble the
Wiwurna was in.
The passengers were landed at Moody s
wharf, and the Nahanada sent after them.
Part continued on the trip but many re-
turned home by train.
People speak in harsh terms of the
pilots taking the boat out of the regular
channel and of the apparent heartessness
of the Seguin's captain in not going to the
rescue.
1t is reported, tonight, that the captain
and pilot can give no explanation of why
the steamer was sent out of her course as
she was. Captain Lowe has been with the
company for years and has always been
considered a capable, careful and efficient
officer.
The news of the drowning has cast
gloom over the entire village. 1t has been
the one topic of conversation on the street
and in all places of business. The great
est sympathy is felt for the afflicted
family, and as the grief stricken father of
the unfortunate young man passed along
the street to the telegraph office, many
along the way were moved to tears.
The steamer Nabanada arrived late in
the afternoon with those who accompanied
the steamer to the point of her destination.
Young Hatch was a telegraph operator on
the N Y. N. II. & II. Il. r., at Forest
Hill, Mass. He came to Richmond about
two weeks since to spend his vacation with
his fathers family. He was about 20 years
of age and was much respected. His home
is in the deepest sorrow tonight.
The Frank Merriman house on the cor
ner of Kimball aud North Pleasant streets
has been cold to Frank Duren.
Capt. Daniel Dsrrah of the schooner
Edith Allen, is spending few days with
his family in Perkins.