Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-05
SIDE LONG COLLISION
EXCURSION STEAMERS TOUCH
WHILE ON LOWER POTOMAC.
No Material Damage Resu1ts-Re-
ports by the Captains-Investi-
cation to Be Made.

The side-long collision which occurred
about sixty miles down the river yesterday
afternoon between the Norfolk and Wash
ington line excursion steamer jamestown
and the Colonial Beach line excursion
steamer st. Johns causing considerable ex-
element among the passengers. but result
ing in no material damage to either vessel
will be made the subject of a formal inves-
tigation by the chief steamboat inspectors
for this district. The captains of both
steamers today filed their respective reports
of the affair with the inspectors. In due
time both masters will be summoned for ex-
amina ton.
The steamers came together with slight
impact while running side by side, with
the jamestown somewhat in the lead, at
point where the channel sets toward the
Maryland shore. Both vessels were steam
ing at top notch speed, but the conclusion
as they rubbed against one another was not
of sufficient force to cause damage Of any
consequence. In minute the boats drew
apart and proceeded on their way.
When the collision occurred the passen-
side next to that of the other craft.
Some disorder and confusion followed
the impact and it is stated that one or
two women tainted and some men made
a rush for the life preseryers, but in
short time the excitement subsidized Both
beats returned to their respective wharves
here in good condition. The only apparent
result of the accident was a discoloration
on the side of the jamestown where some
paint was rubbed off.
Resulted From Suction.
According to statements made today by
representatives of both lines the affair re-
suited from the suction which occurs when
two vessels are moving rapidly in close
proximity. The steamers had set a swift
pace all the way down the river after leav-
ing Alexandria and had kept close together,
the jamestown being generally In the lead.
AS they neared the Maryland shore the
beats came alongside little closer than
before and were drawn into contact by the
force of the suction.
Capt. r. B. Reed of the Jamestown, In
speaking of the matter today, said that his
vessel had maintained the lead almost all
the way down the river and had constantly
attempted to get entirely away from the
st: Johns, which, however, Capt. Reed
said, hung on tenaciously, sometimes forg
ing slightly ahead.
According to Capt. Reeds version the st.
Johns had come up to close nuarte..s 4. ~
the maryland channel and was caught by
the suction and forced against the James
town. The captain said he had seen no
great excitement among the passengers. If
any HE preservers We're secured the action
had escaped his notice. The affair. Capt.
Reed thought. while regrettable, was not
OF any great moment. He maintained that
he was within his rights in keeping his
vessel In the course it was following when
the accident occurred.
Ascribed to Same Course.
Capt A. A. Richards, who was In COM
mand Of the st. Johns, could not be seen
when reporter called at the office of the
company today, the captain having left this
morning with his vessel on the usual trip
down the river. Representatives Of the
company, however, stated that he had
promptly reported the occurrence to the tn
Epectors. Upon the information of the cap
tain of the St Johns they ascribed the ac-
cident to the same cause to which It was
attributed by the captain Of the jamestown,
by they stated the belief that 1t was due
jamestown to maintain reputation for
superior speed.
Aboard the st. Johns were more than
1900 passengers, the destination being CO.
lonial Beach. The Jamestown had a much
smaller passenger list. Her trip was an
excursion to the waters Of the lower Po-
tomac, and return.
The inspectors who will conduct the IN
yestigation are Messrs. Charles W. Wright
and Edwin F. Wright, whose headquarters
are in Baltimore
Both Captain Richards and Captain Reed
are men of long experience In the manage
ment of excursion steamers on the Po-
tomac. Their record in that line is said to
be remarkably free from accidents.