The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-02-03
SPANISH GUNBOAT sunk,
Great Victory for the Patriots in
Southeast Cuba.
BLOWN UP BY A REBEL TORPEDO.

The Relampago DESTROYED in q River-.-
Her Commander Kllled---Gunner,A As
aistant Engineer and Three Marines
Also Slain---The Vessel Was Going to
the Defence of a Beleaguered Fort.
HAVANA, Cuba (By Cable). The Cuban
insurgents have destroyed and sunk the
Spanish gunboat Relsmpago. The COM
mander of the warship was killed. The
Spanish officers themselves confirm the news.
Though the insurgents have no navy. they
do not hesitate. when the opportunity offers,
to attack the Spanish warships. The latest
instance OF this kind occurred Sunday morn
Ing, when the Spanish gunboat was sunk by
means of O torpedo, and many OF her crew
killed. A detachment Of rebels had made au
attack upon the fort at Guamo. some dis
tance up the Cauto River, Province OF San
tiago de Cuba, and the Spanish troops, fear
ing that they would not be able to hold cut,
asked for assistance from Mauzanllo, on the
coast. On Saturday night the gunboats
Centinela and Relampago left Manzanillo
under orders to ascend the river and protect
the fort
The commander OF the gunboats used all
possible speed in running up the coast to the
mouth ofthe river. but when they began to
ascend the stream they proceede very eau
tiou5ly, suspecting that the rebels might
have planted torpedoes in the channel. All
went we'll until the SuDboats were opposite
a place called Mango. when. despite al the
precautions that had been taken. the Relam-
pago struck torpedo. Instantly there was
a terrific explosion. and masses OF water
wore hurled to great height. The hull Of
the Relampago was torn open and she at
once began to sink.
There was no time to lower boat, and al
most before the extent OF the disaster could
be realized the vessel went down. Those on
board OF her who were not injurei jumped
into the water and made their way as best
they could in the direction of the Centinela,
aboard OF which the greatest excitement pre-
vailed. AS soon as it was seen that the Re-
lampago was sinking the Csntinela's boats
we're ordered away to assist in the rescue OF
the crew of the former.
The rebels appeared to he in strong force
along the banks Of the river. and when they
saw the Spaniards In the water, they directed
heavy rifle fire upon them. The Centinela
opened fire upon the rebels. but, as they could
not be seen, and their positions could only
Dc QlSCOY6IeU ny luo SluUho llouI laOit 6oao,
1t Is not believed that any serious losses were
inflicted upon them.
When the Centinela's boats attempted to
rescue the mon struggling in the water
the rebels fired upon them. but the Span
iards bravelv persisted In their work OF res
cue until all the men had been taken from
the water.
Nearly every survivor Of the Rslampaso's
crew was wounded. and there wore only a
few Of the men belonging to the Centineln
who had not been hit by a rebel bullet. The
commander of the Centinela was so seriously
wounded that doubts are entertained OF his
recovery.
The condition OF the survivors was such
that 1t was impossible for the Centinela to
proceet to Guamo. and she therefore re-
turned to Manzanillo, where the news OF the
disaster caused intense excitement.
The official report OF the affair states that
the commander, second engineer and three
sailors OF the Reampago were killed, and
her boatswain. quartermaster, chiof engt-
neer, pilot and four sailors wounded. The
bontswain OF the Centlnela was killed, and
her pilot, second engineer, gunner and six
sailors were wounded.
Both gunboats were small vessels, intended
principally for river service, and they did not
carry large crews.