The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-11-09
YIN DIU UULL.
Steamer Puritan Of The Fall
River Line.
RESTING ON THE ROCKS.
Went Ashore at 3 O'clock
This Morning.
ALL THE PASSENGERS SAFE.
Steamer Lies Easy Ten Miles South
of New London.
RESTING ON THE ROCKS.
ALL THE PASSENGERS SAFE.

NEW LONDON, Conn.,, Nov. a-Ths
steamer Puritan OF the Fall River Line,
with $50 passengers and a large quantity
of freight, is ashore on Big Gull Island
this morning. Information was brought
to New London by the mate, who rowed
ever from the steamer with the boats
crew. The steamer lies hard and fat on
the rocks. WreclScr Scott proceeded at
once to the assistance with
two Jugs.
The big steamer, east bound, went
ashore on the north side of the island in
one OF the densest fogs ever known on
the Sound. Great Gull Island lies in the
Race, one third of the way between Plum
Island, and the southwest cad Ct Fishers
Island and IL miles south of New on
don. The Puritan was going at her ordi-
nary rate OF speed and took the ground
with a rush. The great iron plates on
the Puritan's bottom were stove for a
considerable distance. but no water enc
trated the inner shell of the vessel. The
first news OF the accident was brought to
this city by the steamer City of Worces-
ter OF the Norwich line, Captain Minev,
whiSn arrived soon after A O'Clock. lie
reported hearing a steamer whietinG for
assistance in the direction OF Great Gull
Island and making his way cautiously
disc overed the disabled beat was the
~ RSsA ~
fast aground, though in a comparatively
easy position. t4. TA sMft
At 3 O'Clock this morning the FIRST
mate of the Puritan was rowed to the
wharf here by a crew of eight men In the
long boat. From him ii WAS learned that
bis boat went ashore a few minutes after
3 o'clock and that at the top Of tide IN
os dense a fog as ever prevailed. He stat
cd emphaticaily that although sharp
watch was kept for the whistle on Great
Gull Island, it was not heard. Captain
Miner of the City of Worcester confirms
this statement, saying that his lookouts
were unable TO hear any whistle as they
approached the island from the west, but
alter passing ii, the whistle could be
plainly heard. This failure to hear 1t In
proof Of an assertion often made by
mariners that under certain conditions the
whistle cannot be heard and ia, therefore,
a practically useless means Of warning in
fog.
The boat has $50 passengers, who Were
somewhat excited over tho accident, but
not more SO han might be expected un-
der the circumstances. There was no
panic. The officers OF the vessel soon
} succeeded in ailaying any fears the pas
sengers entertained end when the mate
and crew bad left the boat, all settled
down quietly TO await the rescuing tugs.
Tn bottom, where the steamer IL
grounded, is rough and she will be
banged some, but, 1t Is thought, will not
be seriously damaged.
Captain Scott left with ample app,i-
nnces to release the steamer and he is lair
ly confident of getting her off by nigh
tide this afternoon. Meanwhile those
passengers who wish TO be brought 10
this city will be accommodated In one of
the tugs that are expected about 3 O'Clock.
Tb fog on the Sound and in the harbor
this afternoon is so dense that objects
100 feet away cannot be distinguished.
Superintendent Gardner o fthe Fail River
Line arrived here this afternoon at 80.
lie chartered the steamer Manhansett and
will proceed to tine Puritan. The Man
hansett was awaiting the superintendent
with steam up, ready to go i'm mediately
on his arrival. At 2:30 no tidings had
been received from tho steamer md
nothing will be received Ia all probability
until Captain scott returns with the pas
| scngers fo- whom he went out this morn
ing. The passengers may be transferred
10 the steamer Manhansstt. captain
scott's return will not be Snown until
he is within o feet OF the wharf, as no, b.
ing can be seen larther away in the har-
Dor.