Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-07-21
HOLE IN BOTTOM.
The Steamer Kennebec Runs
on Rock or Sunken Pier.
Sinks at Wharf at Gardiner, After
Passengers Are Landed.
Raised, Sunday, and Proceeds to Bos.
ton for Repairs.

Gardiner, Me, July 20.-(SpeciaD.-
On her trip from Boston to this city
Saturday morning, the steamer Kenne-
bee, of the Eastern Steamship Co., met
with an accident by which the trip
from this port was lost, beside dam
age to the ship which cannot at this
time be estimated. AS the boat round
ed Goodwin's Point, about opposite
South Gardiner, it failed to obey its
rudder, or from some other cause run
onto the flats and struck what was
probably q sunken pier. The boat was
soon backed off and proceeded to this
city in a badly leaking condition. The
landing at the wharf was made in a
hurry and the passengers and freight
hustled from the boat. This was about
9.20 and from that time until nearly
noon the boat rapidly filled with water
and rested on the river bottom, listed
to the starboard, till the guard rail
was under water. The cabin furniture,
linen, etc. We're taken from the cabins
and piled on the wharf.
The fire engine Cobbossea was sent
for, as it was thought it might be able
to pump some water out, or at least
keep the boat from further danger I'M
til the assistance of wrecking crew
could be obtained from Bath. During
this time a large crowd had gathered
on the wharf on hearing the report
that the boat was sinking and consid-
cradle excitement was in order. At
11.30, the Cobbossee began her pump
ing, and from that time until the crews
from Bath arrived it about held its
own with the water in the hold and
cabins.
At little after 1 o'clock in the af-
ternoon the tugs Seguin and Charlie
Lawrence with wrecking lighters ar
rived from Bath and the work of the
crews began. A big steam pump was
placed in position on the lower deck
midway between the two gangways
and at 3.45 the steam was turned on
and the work of pumping her out was
begun in earnest. The pump was one
such as was prooably never seen be-
fore in Gardiner and was what is
known as centrifugal pump and had
an S-inch water pipe, from which the
water poured in a continuous stream.
L lie pump llttt al VI ASVU gar
Ions of water q minute, and in the first
Is minutes. lowered the water over II
inches.
\ diver had been secured from Bath
to make an eXamina ton of the ships
bottom to locate the hole, but after
several attempts in the afternoon gave
it up until Sunday morning. The
pumping was kept up all of Saturday
night and the diver continued his work
in the morning. Then he located the
hole on the port side near and a short
way forward of the wheel. The hole
was reported to be about the size Of
a mans body and that the planks for
some distance We're started. The hole
was covered as well as could be by
the diver with canvas held in position
by thin strips of wood nailed on. AT
1910. Sunday afternoon, the steamer
sailed for Bath, where she will be put
on the runways.
The damage cannot be at this time
estimated, rs the insurance on the boat
VIII make it necessary for it to have
a thorough examination while on the
wavs and the full amount of damage
to the hull cannot be placed. The
time necessary for repairs cannot of
course be given, but will probably be
several days. The Sagadahoc left,
Sunday afternoon. for Boston and Will
return to Bath. today, 10 connect with
the Della Collins. which will leave for
Bath at the usual time of sailing, 3.35.
Future arrangements have not as yet
bpau decided lpOn.