The San Francisco call., 1896-01-22

ing the last few weeks have a more thrill
ing experience to tell than Captain Levin
son of the Noyo. The steamer was caught
in the southeaster, part of her deck load of
lumber was washed away, the remaining
100, 900 feet was jettisoned, the waves took
command of the vessel and the engine
room was flooded. The fires under the
boilers were drowned out and the pas
sengers were told to get lifebelts. Just
when things were at their worst the steam
schooner Albion hove in sight and gave
renewed hope to the crew. She remained
alongside of the disabled craft for twelve
hours and then stood on her way.
The Noyo was out from Fort Bragg thirty
six hours when caught in the gale
off Point Arena. She had on board the
following passengers: Harry Witberg and
wife, J. J. Mcllison, A. Olnes, Mrs. Baul-
leud, E. Olsen, D. Dondon, George DON
dero, Z. Meach, j. Blain. John Ketchum,
J. Brown, P. Everson, Miss G.. Goldech,
Mrs. Steoferd, Harry Hoight, Miss B.
Kimball Mrs. Campbell and Fred White.
Not one of them was hurt, and the only
person on board who bears any trace of
the hurricane is Purser Littlejohn, who
was struck on the head by piece of flying
Ium ber.
In telling about the storm yesterday
Captain Levinson said: when the
steamer left Fort Bragg heavy sea was
running, but we thought nothing of that,
and all Sunday morning we made fair
time. Sunday afternoon the wind began
to increase until at midnight it was blow
ing q hurricane. Some of our deckload
was washed away, and l ordered the re-
mainder jettisoned in order to save the
vessel. The fires in the engine-room were
drowned out, and. as our position seemed
Hn / nrIa ho aoII IIaL
and told them to get on lifebelts. The
crew behaved splendidly, and never
shirked obeying an order, even though It
was at the risk of their lives. In the
morning the storm abated somewhat, and
the Albion stood by us until we got our
fires relit and were once more under
steam"
the passengers. "-rhe waves carried away
part of the deckload, but it was not enough
to help the steamer. Then a huge wave
came along and flooded everything. The
fires under the boilers went out and in q
few moments the Noyo was helpless
Captain Levinson ordered the deckload
thrown overheard, and while this was
being done piece of lumber few out of
the hands OF two of the men and splinter
from it struck Purser Littleiohn in the
forehead.
Captain Levinson managed to put the
vessel about. but the attempt to set sail
was a failure, as no canvas could with
stand the force of the gale. 1t vas then
that all the passengers were warned and
we started out TO get lifebelts on. Some
OF the women and children were too sea-
sick to move and they had to be helped
into places of safety. During the whole
dreadful time Captain Levinson never lost
his head, and directly the Albion was
sighted he flew signals of distress. She
came within hailing distance and Captain
did so until the gale went down and our
men we're able to pump out the engine
room and get fire under the boilers.
Then we came on to San Francisco and
arrived yesterday morning"
The Noyo does not seem to be much the
worse for the gale she went through, but
shipping men say that the escape OF both
vessel and all on board was little short of
miraculous.