The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-11
SAVED AT LAST.
Rescue Of All on Board Strand
ed Russie Is Accomplished.


Faraman. Bouches du Rhone, Jan. II.
After a night OF horrible suspense all
Of the passengers and crew of the
French cruiser Russie from Oran, Al
geria, which stranded near her during
a violent storm Monday, have been
safely landed
As the life line connected from the
shore with the steamer parted again
yesterday afternoon when night set in
no communication with the stranded
steamer was possible. The last signaled
message read as follows. I'VE have not
a scrap Of food left. CONSERVATION pre-
walls on board
On receipt Of this appeal the fisher
men made two more lucky. launches of
their boat but We're beaten back, and as
the Russie disappeared in the darkness
those on board apparently were trying
to launch their bnly remaining boat
The storm ragged with renewed fury dur
ing the night and only those who were
compelled to do SO. stayed on the shore,
part of them huddled beneath a tar
paulin and others seeking refuge from
the gale in the Faraman light house.
AT midnight two floats with lines at
tached TO them were launched but both
attempts to reach the Russie were fruit
less.
In the early hours Of the morning
torches were lighted at the bow Of the
Russie, and in response to the signal the
fishermen made another effort to reach
~----
ashore and the crew Of the lifeboat,
who belong to the fishing village Of
Caro-, gathered around a bonfire made
or WI eckage from the steamer drench ed
to the skin and with teeth chattering
from cOud, but not discouraged. Their
heroism finally was rewarded as at day
break the weather perceptibly mod
Grated, the sea became caIner and the
wind having shifted from east to north
the Caro- fishermen at about 6: 80 a. m.
again put to sea. The spectators watch
ed with fast beating hearts as the boat
disappeared through the waves. More
than once it was thought she was en-
quilted, but the small craft rose in sight
again on the crests Of the waves. ap-
preaching gradually nearer to the
Russie.
Then a rope was thrown which the
fishermen caught and the life boat soon
sfterward was alongside. Then above
the bowling wind rose cries Of joy from
those on board the Russie which were
re-echoed by the crowd ashore Another
boat manned by four men was then
launched and succeeded in reaching the
wrecked vessel.
A few minutes later the Caro- boat
left the Russie's side heavily laden. AS
she approached the shore, the occupants
were seen to be women and one baby.
The enthusiasm was delirious. The spec
tatOrS plunged into the sea. Some Of
them dragged the life boat ashore and
others lifted the women out Of the boat
and carried them in their arms, through
the waves to dry land One woman
was clasped in the arms of her son. who
had been waiting on shore since Mon
day. She swooned and had to be trans
ported on a stretcher hastily constructed
from Wreckage and covered with blan-
kets to the light house. The other Wo-
men collapsed from fatigue, cold and
hunger. Their haggard faces and trem-
bling limbs told of the awful exper-
fences they had gone through
It was unfortunate that want of fore
sight resulted in all the nourishment be-
ing kept at the light house two miles
distant, for the sufferers had to walk
there. assisted by their friends, before
restOratives could be administered TO
them.
The four cared boat next arrived with
seven more passengers and the life
boats then made repeated journeys I'M
til all were saved and sheltered in the
Light house