New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-27
BIG STEAMER AGROUND.
Passengers Rescued in Safety from
Bangor Roat-Good Discipline.

Rockland, Me, July 26.-The Eastern Steam
ship Conpany's steamer City of Rockland
bound from Boston to Bangor and other Penob-
scot River ports, struck on Gangvay Ledge, IN
Penobscot Bay in a thick fog to-day and was
badly damaged. Her three hundred passengers
were taken off by a tug and landed at Rockland.
The steamer is one Of the largest and finest
steamers owned by the company. The passen-
gers were transferred to the tug without con-
fusion. No one was injured in connection with
the accident
Gangway Ledge is about twenty minutes
run by water from Rockand. The steamer
pushed well up on the ledge and stopped in
comparatively easy position. The accident hap
pened at ebb tide. which gave some confidence
that the steamer might be floated on the next
rise. Captain Mark Pierce was in the pilot mouse
when the steamer went ashore. He at once gave
orders to insure the safety of the passengers
The whistle was sounded repeatedly, and a boat
lowered and sent ashore around the ledge TO
a point where telephone call for help could pe
sent Word was brought back that the tug ]. p
Morse would be started down the bay at once.
Most of the passengers were in their berths
when the steamer ran the ledge. The shock
was sufficient to arouse everybody. and there
was a general, but not 2 confused, rush 10 the
main deck to learn the nature and extent OF the
accident. Captain Pierce assured the people
that there little danger, and the passengers
prepared quietly for the arrival of the boat
which had been summoned. Shortly afterward
the Morse approached, with her whistle blowing,
to give notice that assistance was on the way
The work of the transfer of the passengers was
quickly accomplished without mishap. and early
in the forenoon they were landed in this city.
whence they proceeded to their various dest1na-
lions.
was 1psr .
that after the vessel struck, life preservers
were quickly distributed, and the steamers
twelve boats lowered by the crew under perfect
discipline. About one hundred OF the passen-
gers took the boats and were carried to Ash
Island. about five hundred feet from the ledge
where the Morse picked them up later.
Some of the baggage of the passengers was
removed, but the freight could not be taken out.
The steamer tonight lay in practically the
same position when she first struck she
gave no indication of breaking up. although
It is impossible to tell the extent of the dam
age done to her hull. The vessel is bearing
of her length is down by the head and listing
badly. At dead low water the main deck for
ward is about q foot above water, but at high
tide the craft is nearly submerged The
weather tonight is calm. with the wind from
the southwest. There was prospect, II the
wind held in that quarter. of the vessel pc
would undoubtedly cause her destruction. The
Boston Towboat Company's wrecking tug is
expected 10 reach the scene OF the accident
in the night.
The passengers who we're brought TO this
city had lost their summer wardrobes. and
in many instances other valuable artcles:
while some escaped from the steamer half
clad six horses persisted. including two
owned by summer residents AT Bar Harbor,
and valued at $1,000 each.
The city of Rockland was built in East
Boston Mass. in 1901. She is valued at about
$500 600 Her length is 274.S feet, beam SS-5
feet and depth IA feet Her net tonnage is
1923 and her gross tonnage 1896