The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-02-17
CAPTAIN TELLS STORY
L rchmOnt's Commander De-
scribes Wreck at Sea.
TRIED TO SAVE PASSENGERS
Declares He Did Not Row Away from
sinking Vessel Until She Was En-
quilted In ley Water-COuId Find
No One to ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS to Be
Obtained in Near Future.

New London, Conn. Feb. 16.-Capt
George W. McVay, of the steamer Larch-
mont. has made the following sworn
statement to the local steamboat tnspec-
tors in this city, which was received to-.
day:
The Larchmont left Providence Feb
ruary il at p m, thirteen minutes be-
hind her regular time. The wind was
/ fourteen miles and blowing from the
northwest. The boat was in proper condi-
ton. and had on board full complement
Of the crew. and all were at their posts Of
duty I was on duty with First Pilot An
son. Second Pilot Wiman, Quartermasters
Staples and MOreland.
Proceeding TO Sabine Point, Pilot An
son took charge with QuarteTmaster Sta
pies at the wheel. Pilot Wiman and Quar-
! termaster Moreland were below, off watch,
and 1 proceeded below to see that the
passengers and the freight were properly
taken care of and that everything was in
order
Il then went to the purser's Office, and
at 1O.4O TO the upper deck to my room to
attend 10 other matters The night was
clear. but dark The wind was at gale
and the water rough The lights were
burning and everything in first-class con
dition.
Alarm whistle Blown.
AS l reached my room ! heard a shout
and repeated blasts Of the alarm whistle
I jumped to the pilot-house. Mr.. Arson
was there, trying to steer the Larchmont
TO starboard, so as 20 get away from the
schooner. Our port side was close 20 the
schooner. which was heading directly to-
ward the Larchmont The schooner struck
the Larchmont at right angles forward
amidships. The boats were enveloped in
steam and every one panic stricken ex-
cept the crew. I ordered everybody 10
their stations. as ! realized that the boat
was in d sinking condition. The pilot and
quartermaster Immediately notified me
that the boat was in a sinking condition.
and, ] think told me that the engineer
wanted the boat beached.
L rang the bell 20 the engineer to
start the boat ahead. but could get no
ianswer. so I went to the deck to super
intend clearing away the boats
Freight Deck Under Water.
Il think the Larchmont freight deck
was under water then. which brought my
boat near the water There were no
passengers in the vicinity of the boat,
land the only way 10 save lives was to
lower the boat and 20 round to the other
side of the steamer. This I proceeded
70 do The only ones that were in my
boat were those on that side OF the yes
sci. unless some one got in from the
paddIebox. Those IN the boat were
/ George MCVay. Oscar Young, purser; Mr..
Staples. quITtermaster. two walters. Nc
FaTland and Vann. and two OF the fire.
men, names unknown. These were the
IonIy persons on the starboard side OF the
vessel. We then rOwed around 10
p the port side to save lives. The wind was
so high and the sea so rough that it was
impossible TO get near enough 20 do any
. good I stayed by the boat till she sank
out of sight. but was unable to save any
one. as no one seemed in sight.
Il saw the lights Of the Larchmont 60
4 out soon after nay boat was lowered.
The weather was so cold il was impossible
10 do anything but drift with the wind
So far as my personal knowledge goes
my boat was the last to leave the ship
, and / used every endeavoT 10 find any
one to rescue.
, LtfebOat Drifts Ashore.
THE collision occurred at 1870 and our
boat drifted ashore on Block Island al
q $50 a. m. February 70. All in my boat
, were in terrible condition.
T 1T was reported to me. as recollect
that one boat from the Larchmont had
! got ashore on Block Island before us. and
p that four lifeboats andNone life raft came
D ashore after Us.
? THE Larchmont sank out Of sight in
twelve minutes after the collision The
Larchmont's boats were all in proper
condition. and the ship was in frst-class
order From the time the Larchmont'
. alarm whistle blew until my boat drifted
7 ashore on Block Island. I did everything
possible to preserve discipline and save
z lives
The statement is sworn To before q
notary, and signed by Capt. McNay
Supervising Inspector George Uhlel
is in the city comforting with the loca
{ inspectors. and is satisfied that every
thing about the collision is proceeding
satisfactorily. The statement of Capt
$ McVay is the only one received, and tn,
e statements Of the others and of such sur
+. vivOrs as can testify will be taken al
e Providence az soon as possible.