Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-06
FIVE DROWNED
By Capsizing Of Yacht Ahadia
in the Sheepscot.
Dr.. John H. Steadman and Three
Young Men All Of Georgetown,
With Boston Young Man Pcrish-Scveral Wit.
nesses But No Help Possible.

Five persons were drowned in Sheep
scot bay, Monday afternoon, by the
capsizing Of DR.. Steadman's yacht,
Ahadia.
Reports OF the accident reached
Bath. Monday evening, but it was not
realized, until Tuesday morning, when
tn, particulars We're received. what a
serious and shocking affair the acct
dent was.
The yacht was sailing home from the
races at Five Islands and contained
DR.. John ii. Steadman; William Ma
son. aged -; Harry Higgins. aged 10;
ana Frank Avery. aged "A, all of
Georgetown. and James L. Martin,
eyed =, Of Boston. who had been pass
ing the summer at the home Of Dr.
Steadman. All We're drowned.
The accident occurred between Mac
Mahan Island and Nursery lodges.
about quarter Of a mile from shore
The yacht had no tender and there
was no boat available to rescue the
occupants, even had il been possible to
reach them in time. Almost every
craft was at Five Islands
The Ahadia left the harbor, after the
races, about O'Clock, in company
with other boats, on her way to Robin
Hoods cove, where DR.. Steadman lived.
The yacht was under full sail. although
other craft We're rccfed down on ac-
count or the stiff breeze that prevailed
1t was pretty rough when they started
and q flau,aD HI, Ia,
heard Dr. Steadman tell the little Hig-
gins boy to so into the cabin. She
was last seen by any sailing craft
when she went up The bay.
The first news at Five Islands about
the accident was given by a little boy
named Hartford who was up on the hill
and saw the boat capsizc and go down.
1t is also said that there We're eye
witnesses of the frightful catastrophe
at MacMahans'. Westport ana Dog
Fish Head, but before any assistance
could be rendered the boat and its oc-
cupants had disappeared.
The yacht went down in about five
fathoms of water. Mr.. Kendall of
Bowdoinham, saw the boat from the
piazza of a Georgetown cottage. He
noticed that She was having a disa-
greeable experience out in the bay
and. although not prepared to see her
go down. followed her movements with
some anxiety.
Suddenly he saw the yacht roll heav-
lily, slightly recover herself. and then
capsiZe. The yacht sank at once. IN
a moment there was no sign of the
Ahadia or her passengers upon the
surface of the bay.
Shortly afterwards the steam yacht
Louise Of Bath, Capt. Tarbox, which
was cruising in that vicinity, visited
the scene of the accident but could
find no trace of the boat or her occu-
pants. Soon quite fleet of boats ar
rived. hoping to find a survivor, but
the search was in vain.
Monday evening, parties began
sweeping the bay with grapples to re
cover the bodies. and the work was
continued, Tuesday. but according to
the last reports nothing had been
found.
A Bath yachtsman who was ct Five
Islands. Monday, says that DR.. Stead
mans yacht was the only one in the
harbor that carried fun sail. Capt
Hutchins had party of ladies in his
yacht the Marguerite, and. although
his boat was double reefed he thought
it imprudent to stay out in so strong
breeze.
1t is supposed that DR.. Steadman in
sailing home avoided the Little Sheep
scot river. which is the usual course,
bo cause he hoped for steadier breeze
outside. Then in going through Goose
Rock passage it is likely that a squat
struck the boat without warning. and.
having full sail on, there was nothing
thai could keep her from capsizing.
DR.. Steadman was about 60 years Of
age, and during his long residence in
Georgetown had become acquainted
with practically all the people of the
town. He was a popular man and was
Well beloved by his neighbors.
The Inflated Ahadia was built by
Dr. Steadman himself. The boat was
about 25 feet long on the water line
and good sailor. While the doctor
was thoroughly experienced in sailing
the boat there are many who question
ed his Judgment in bad weather.
Mrs. Steadman was completely pros
trated by the news Of her husbands
death. Besides the widow. DR.. Stead
man leaves one son, who is in the
West.
The people of Georgetown are over |
whelmed with sadness by the news of |
the calamity which carries so much |
sorrow to their homes.-Bath Times.