The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-22
FIFTY DROWNED
AT A LAUNCHING.
While Launching British BattIeship
the Stages Were Submerged.
IT, S. AMBASSADOR HAY, PRESENT
Col. and Mrs. Hay and Our Naval At
tachc Were in Attcndance-Many
Hcarirending Scenes were Wit
ncsscd-Plucky Kescucs.
US. AMBASSADOR HAY, PRESENT

LONDON. June a.-During the launch
Ing of the new British frst-class battle
chip Albion OF 1850 tons az Blackwell.
to-day and her christening by the Ouch
css Of York. ceremony al which the
United States Ambassador Colonel John
Hay aud Mrs Hay and Lieutenant Col
well the United States Naval Attache. as
sisted. tho disbursement Of water caused
an immense mass OF water 10 rise on all
sides c0plotcly suberging one of the lower
stages OF The yard and immersing nun
drcds OF people.
II is estimated that fifty persons were
drowned.
Another but discredited report says the
TWENTY SEVEN BODIES.
As this dispatch is sent the bodies OF
twentv-scvcn men, women and children
have been recovered. The Duchess OF
York aud Colonel and Mrs Hay and the
remainder OF the distinguished guests
did not see the accident which occurred
az the moment when three cheers were
called for the successful and the cries
and screams OF the victims were drown
Cd hy the outhurst of hurrahs and the
steamers syrcns.
WERE ON 4 HOLIDAY.
The victims were mostly working peo-
Die on q holiday who had tresspassed on
the ship building yard where the launch
ing took place They crowded upon a
staging from which they had been warn
o. of but tho force OF police on the
spot was inadequate 20 contvol the I'M
mense crowd.
About two hundred persons were thrown
into the water when the staging was de-
moishcd by the backwash Of the hugh bat
tleship when she plunged into the water
Most Of these were rescued by means OF
the numerous rowboats I'm the vicinity
but many were swept away by the food
tide which was running and sank before
assistance could reach them.
SIXTY INJURED.
About sixty OF the spectators were
Insured and had 20 receive surgical treat
mcnt Many pucky rescues Of drown
ing persons were made by on-lookers
Hearf-rendinp scenes were witnessed
when the bodies of children and other
relatives Of those who escaped the dis
astcr were recovered and brought TO the
land
The bodies Of five men. eighteen women
and eleven children have been recovered.
The Duke and Duchess Of York have
tccgraphd assurances of their profound
regret and sympathy.
Thousands VINO witnessed the launching,
including the royal party ,eft the scene
STAGING WAS UNSAFE.
The staging that was destroyed had
been erected for WOrkmen near the stern
OF LNH Japanese cruiser ln COURSE on CUM
strucuon i'm the Blackwell yards. 1t was
light structure about I'D feet long, and
notices had been posted warning the pub
De- that it was dangerous. Despite the
efforts of the police. some two hundred
people invaded the staging. which com
mandcd a good view of the launching
ceremony. Two great waves completely
demolished Il. and on recedipg, carried
most of its occupants into leep water.
The water was alive with struggling
people and floating debris
PLENTY OF HELP.
Fortunately there was pienty of help
near 900 fho shape of police boats and
other craft The ship-buiders. with
draps. and the hremen who participated
iu the ceremony were All prompt IN at
fOrding suCcOr.
a number Of nurses who had come TO
witness the launching were among those
cueulfcd. Some of these ln many others
were revived bv artificial respiration.
Some were injured by cOllidng with the
debris There was am ample supply OF
rcstoratiVes soon available. and every
thing possible was done Tor the rescued,
many of whom We're In "a state of com
piete collapse.