The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1899-11-18
CRUISER CHARLESTON SUNK
EVERY ONE SAFELY LANDED.
Cruiser Charleston Wrecked on "A
Coral Reef-Heavy Sea Prevailed
Saved Some of the Guns-Might
Save the Ship-A Court OF Inquiry.

Washington, Nov. l5.-Admiral Watson
cables to the navy department the follow
ing official report OF the wreck of the
cruiser Charleston:
The Charleston was wrecked ON an un-
charted coral reef three miles northwest
of Guianapak rocks, on the north coast of
Luzon. Everybody was safely landed on
Kamaguin island, with the rifles and two
Colts. Natives are friendly. Mcdonald
has made Lngayen gulf in sailing
launch. When he left there was no OPP
portunity for an examination of the wreck.
A northeast monsoon and heavy sea was
prevailing. Reports state that the ship
struck easily and then thumped violently.
THE fireroom compartment was flooded,
but the first watertight doors were closed
promptly. The ship lies so that she has
settled aft, and the water is one foot from
the name. She is well out of water for
ward, but it is apparently very steep
bank. Ten days provisions and 100 ra-
tions were landed"
There was some surprise expressed that
so long time has elapsed since the wreck
of the cruiser Charleston before news of
the fact reached the navy department. 1t
appears, however, that this delay was in
evitable, owing to the isolated position of
the wreck. Kamaguin island is a small
island lying about north of Appari, which
is the most northerly port on the island
OF Luzon. 1t is distant about $50 miles
from Lingayen gulf, where are stationed
the nearest of Watson's fleet.
Watson appears to have acted at once
upon receipt of the news, for he informed
the navy department that he has cabled
to Hong Kong to secure the help of ex-
perienced wreckers to proceed at once to
the scene of the wreck. The navy de-
partment has already constructor ON the
ground in the person of Lieut. Hobson,
who may be called upon to assume charge
of wrecking operations.
A careful reading of the cablegram from
Watson convinces the officials that there
is fair chance of saving the Charleston.
They say that the name of the ship is
painted about three or four feet below the
rail. This is an indication that the main
deck is above water, which would make
the work of pumping out the hull much
easier. If she is settled down aft, as re-
ported, there is less danger of injury to
the bottom by further pounding. Much
depends, however, on the weather, as the
wreck lies in the full sweep of the mon
soons, which prevail at this season.
For the safety of the officers and the
crew not the slightest apprehension exists.
The Helena must already have reached
the island, which is about days run
from Dingayen, and with the Oregon,
which followed closely, must have Iemov-
ed the Charleston's crew several days ago.
AS soon as possible court of inquiry
will be called to fix the responsibility for
the wrecllng of the ship. This will follow
irrespective of any action of the navy de-
partment, and will be ordered by Admiral
Watson.
Should it appear that it was caused by
negligence of any of the Charlestons Off
GERS, a court-martial will follow the in
quiry, but in view of the exceedingly dam
gerous character of the north coast of
Luzon and lack of necessary aids to navi-
cation, it is not believed probable that
any of the officers will be found severely
censurabe.