The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-04-29
THE WYANOkE A WRECK
She Runs Into the Cruiser Columbia and
Goes to the Bottom.
ALL HER PASSENGERS AND CREW SAVED
while Coming From the James River
the Strong Ebb Tide Takes Her
Against the Columbia, Which A.
Also Damaged somewhat-Brida
Couples ON Ronrd.

Couples on honrd.
The steamship Wyanoke, of the Old
Dominion Line, lies at the bottom of
Hampton Roads. proba bly, u total wreck.
The United Suites cruiser Columbia is
anchored near by, with one hole two
feet in diameter on the port side, ten
feet above the water line, n heavy in
dentation two feet above the water line
on the same side, and an indentation of
one of the plates on the starboard side
opposite the hole, opening a seam for
about six feet. The condition of both
vessels is the result of an accident yes
terday morning shortly before O'Clock.
The Wyanoke was on her way from
Richmond to Norfolk. She was to have
sailed from here last night for New
York. On board of her were 1o7 pas
sengers and n crew OF forty-two. The
freight was very light, among 1t being
sixty tons OF manufactured tobacco.
from Richmond to Northern and West
ern points. She came down the James
River and attempted to make her land
ing at Newport News by cutting across
the bow of the Columbia and was going
towards the shore very slowly The
strong ebb tide. however, carried her
down stream very fast and almost be-
fore 1t could be realized she was broad
side on the bow of the cruiser
The starboard side of the Wyanoke
hau very large hole stove in her, for
ward of the wheel, causing her TO sink
rapidly. She lies close to the Column
bia, between that vessel and the beach
4 little south of the shipyard about 81
quarter of mile off shore, and nothing
but her topmasts are visible above
water
Second Engineer j. j. Waters of the
Wyanoke, who lives In New York. Is
now on board the Columbia, very badly
scalded 1t is not known whether he
VIII live or not. An oiler of the Wyanoke
was also badly scalded.
H. Fl. Glover first officer of the Wv
anoke, had just come on deck when
Captain Jenny gave the alarm, and all
hands were ordered out to make the
boats ready. BY that time the steamer
mad struck the cruiser and got d list OF
forty-iive degrees. All the boats on the
starboard side were rendered useless.
only two boats on the port side being
available Tor saving the passengers.
one OF these was placed in charge of
the first officer and the other was com
manded by the Quartermaster. They
were Immediately filled with ladies
rom the steamer and proceeded to
shore. picking up other passengers from
the water while on their way
Ihe Columbia put out her boats and
\
Der OF persons got on board of the Co
lumbia direct from the Wvanoke nj the
time OF the collision. OnS of the crew
OF the Wyanoke displayed remarkable
presence OF mind. Throwing himself
from his own vessel to the Columbia his
body formed bridge on which many of
me passengers walked to safety
Ihe passengers lost almost all of tbeir
enects. but We're literally supplied with
clothing by the residents of Newport
| News.
| FIRST officer Glover was carried down
by the collision and came near drown
| ing He managed 10 get to the surface
ol tne water. near the Columbia, and
causht mold of life raft which had Just
been lowered from that vessel.
Prof. CULVER. of Waterbury. Conn.
also came near losing his life by drown
ing. he was rescued and taken 10 the
| Warwick, where he remained during the
DAY in a very weak condition.
| Inc Old Dominion Steamship Com
pany has furnished transport alton to
the passengers 10 various places. and
nearly all had left last night.
| First Engineer John Sullivan was
also badly scalded.
mir. Crowell, Norfolk agent of the
Old DOMINION Steamship Company.
stated that the Wyanoke cost some
Where near $3SO.O0c. and that her value
] ~, VIC 'He aCSiutNt was about $3.50, 600.
fhere was some insurance on her. but
how much could not be learned.
The Wyanoke was built at Whining
Eon, Del. in 1870. and is 23S feet in
length. ~ feet inches bredh and 81 feet
inches depth. She has a net tonnage
OF l'659.s5 tons and is of 1000 horse
power.
Many rumors as 10 the loss of life were
prevalent on the streets Yesterday. bu.
every person on board the Wyanoke
has been accounted for. not a single one
having been drowned.
capt. Jenney and Purser Burde.te were
the last 10 leave thu sinking vessel. and
We're compelled TO jump overheard in
order 10 prevent being carried down
with the wreckage. Mrs. H. Frank Ford.
of Jamaica. y. y. was The last of the
iady passengers 10 leave the steamship
The officers and crew of The Columbia
handled the unfortunate ladiss and gen
tIemen with the greatest care and made
i as comfortable as POSSIBLE while The
work Of rescue was going on There
were three bridal couples on board n,
he time. who los; their entire ward
robes and whatever valuahles they car.
?ied with them. Others of the lady and
gentlemen passengers are known to have
lost large sums OF money. as well ne
trunks. etc.
when TrnveIin.
a ~, al.