Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-06-30
The Grounding Of the Oregon.

London, June 30.-Details OF toe
stIanding of the United States battle.
ship Oregon are still lack ng at noon
today. The island oil Hook, on which
the vessel struck. is one of group at
the entrance OF the Gulf of Pechili
Tney are of coral formation and around
them are banks, some of which are not
chsrted. The Oregol lett Hong Kong
last Saturday and, running az a good
Clip, could have reached Taku in six
days. 1ba Misl Fac islands are only
about $50 niles from raku. The ba, tie
ship il commanded Oy Captain Wilde,
% her retaen trio, from Hong Kong to
Iaku the Oregon bad on board il sd-
dition 70 ber regular crew, 164 sailors,
and marines brought to Hong Kong
from Manila by the Zifro. The TACT
that tue Oregon was speeding against
time to Taku 10 ground for fear that she
went ashore hard.
Washington. D. c., June 80. -
The Navy Department .nis morning
received cablegram, dated Obefoo,
June 20, 11:50 p. OG., which read: 1.-THE
Iris has gone to The assistance OF the
Oregon" Il is signed by Raymond
Rodgers, commanding the Nashville.
A dispatch from Captain Wilde was
received and is % follows: Anchored
yesterday in dense fog 10 II fathoms,
three miles south of How Ke light, gull
of Pechili. Sent out TWO boats and
sounded; least water was five aud half
fathoms; weather clear; got under way
and struck pinnacle rock; much wstsr
10 forward compartment; shall charter
steamer If possible at Chefoo and light
en- ship; rock through side OF ship above
double bottom; some holes are also
through the bottom of the ship"
Rear Admiral Remey cables from
Hong Kong tina. the Zifiro, at Chefoo,
has been sent to assist the Oregon, and
that tue Iris has also gone to her assist
aDce.
The dispatch from Commander Geo.
f. Wilde, OF the Oregon, to the Navy
Department this morning confirms the
press dispatches of this morning which
stated that the ship had gone aground
so miles south Of Cnefoo 10 fog. The
details given by Commander Wilde
would indicate that while with the cou-
tinusDce of fair weather the floating
might be accomplished without difficl II
the injuries to the ship are serious a d
will probably necessitate her layiog up
in dry dock for repairs. The neares,
place where 30 large boat may be dock.
ed is Nagasaki. Several days will be re.
quired TO tow the Oregon to that point,
II towing would prove necessary.
as seems likely, snd a long time
must be consumed before the dis-
abled vessel can be fit to assume
her place with the Taku feet.
Some naval officero fear that the ship
will never float again. The Injuries
she received they say, are of very
similar nature to those received by the
Paris when she went aground at Lands
Eod. England, but in the case OF the
Paris the best working fscailities were
within easy reach. Even with this
advantage it was many weeks before
The Paris was foated and only after the |!
tedious process OF building Golfer dam |
around her injured portions had been |
adopted. With the Oregon the case is |
different, 1t will take at least two and
probably six days for any effective aid
TO reach her and in the meantime any |
sudden storm that might arise will be
absolutely dlsasterous. Uuder the best
these officers cay great
difficulty is expected In getting her
,foat and whether it will be possible
20 do it at ali is matter of doubt. The
'ock though her bottom struck v,ry
vital spot about rs feet from her bow.