The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1903-02-11
TRIED TOSAvf The BARK.
EFFORTS OF CAPTAIN WE'RE
TO AVOID WRECK.
The AIsternixe IL High and Dry,
But 1t In Thought That She
Will Soon BE Fi0ated.

The German bark AlsternixIe ls still
stranded on Republic spit, q southwest
projection OF San island, with q
strong likelihood that she will remain
there for an indefinite period, although
her master, Captain Richard Auhag-
en-, In very optimistic regarding her
speedy entry into deep water. The
alarm that was at first felt for thc
members Of her crew and the desper-
ate efforts made to save them have de-
yeloped in the present light OF facts 10
have been rather unnecessary, as the
vessel sets In perfectly upright posi-
ton and there is not the least probable
fly Of her going to pieces. Indeed II
is the intention OF Captain Auhagen to
return to the vessel today with his en-
tire crew and remain on board here
after. Arrangements will at once b.
made for getting her off. Just when
this can be accomplished, Of course
must b. subject largely sc conjecture,
but that she viii be safely floated very
soon her captain Ii positive.
Regarding his trip up from San
Francisco and the stranding Of his
vessel Captain Auhagen last even
ing made the following statement to an
Astorian representative:
I'VE left San Francisco Tuesday,
February 3, at p. m. and for two
days enjoyed fair weather. Then
westerly gales set in, blowing with ter
rifle force. At 1870 yesterday after
noon we made land but up to that time
and until later he Alsternixe at no
time proved unmanageabie.
Upon reaching the mouth Of the
Columbia the turbuleRcy Of the sea and
the constantly increasing velocity of
the wind rendered it unsafe to remain
outside, as the vessel sat so light In the
water she would be, knew, influenced
perhaps 10 disastrous extent by the
elements. So determined at all hazards
to save my ship ard crew, crossed in
little after o'clock.
What happened after that, was. as 1t
terminated, for the best. at no time
lost my bearings. and had perfectly
good course, but the fierce gale, in spite
OF all effort tended to drive us toward
the north shore. This certainly could
result only in a complete wreck with a
firightful loss of life and so turned the
vessel for the only point Of land avail
able and drove her solidly there for the
express purpose of saving her, which
was accomplished and l am pleased to
know that the Alsternixie is today as
sound as ever and that We all escaped
unscathed,"
The Alsternixie is of 2s02 tons burthen
and Is reported to be the largest sail
ing vessel that has ever attempted to
enter this port. She is chartered to
load lumber at Portland for China. Ef-
fort will be made at once TO float her
and those concerned with the arrange
ments are perfectly sanguine as to the
final result.
Captain James Heating visited the
scene of the stranded vessel yesterday
afternoon and reports that at low water
she Is practically high and dry. He
observed q horse standing alongside
the ship and men ran out on the bow
spirit and leaped off on dry sand. New
ertheless Captain Keating believes that
with the use of anchors when the tides |
are propitious the vessel can be tloated
without difficulty. IS there is o |
powerful donkey engine on board Cap |
tain Keating further believes that the |
work may be greatly expedited by |
using 1t,