Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-02-18

The wind and sea were so very heavy
that when We arrived on the port side
of the Larchnront it was impossible to
do any good.
1 maneuvered the boat in that vicinity
until the Larchmont sank out of sight,
but ! was unable to pick up anyone as
none seemed to be in my vicinity. Soon
after my boat was lowered I saw the
lights of the Larchmont go out.
1t was bitter cold, and the cold was so
intense that it was almost impossible to
do anything but drift before the wind.
So far as my personal knowledge goes
my boat was the last one to leave the
Larchmont, and I used every endeavor
to pick up any lives that I could, but
failed to find anyone to rescue.
As near as I could judge, this collision
occurred at about 1850 p. NJ. and our
boat drifted ashore at Block Island al
about $50 A. NJ. on Feb. Il.
When my boat drifted ashore at Block
Island both mvs"lf and the balance of
those who were in my boat were in a
terrible condition.
AS near rs | c7n rncolleot. it was re-
ported t. ne thu cre boat IF the I.arCh-
mont J. ii got ashor" ut Flock Island
half or thrc"-quarters of an hour befor,
7 had. and it was afterwards reported
to ME that four boats and two life RATS
had come ashore after me.
1t WIS also reported to me that many
had persisted with the cold before they
had got ashore 1t Block Island
At the time the collision occurred, to
the best of my judgment Watch Hill
IT.
about four miles.
To the best of my knowledge and belief.
the steamship I.archn ont sunk out Of
sight about II minutes after the COLI
sion.
As to the nearing of the schooner when
she was first sighted from the pilot house
Of the I.archmont. and as to her side
lights or general movements from tie
time she was sighted by the I.archmont
cp until the time I saw her. which was
Just previous to the collision. T know
nothing except what have been told by
other people. and do not at this timo
wish to quote anything that was said to
M, as it would Simply be hearsay
I will further say that we always had
our weekly fire and boat drills. whic,,
reports can be found in the u. S. local
inspectors Office. Providence, r. 7. HeY
station bills We're in their proper places,
all licensed officers held proper licenses
covering entire route. and rot alone the
licensed officers of the steamship Laroh-
mont. but the entire crew. was efficient
in every particular so far as know
from the practical workings of the same
from voyage to voyage
The beats were in their proper condi-
ton and the Larchmcnt was in ship
shane condition SO far as I know, from
tuck to keelson.
7 will still further add that used my
utmost erdeavors from the time the
T.&rchmont's alarm whistle was blown
until my boat drifted ashore at Block
Island to observe discipline and save life
ir every particular ard no one can re-
greet more than I do this sad affair.
am confined to the house under 4
dcctcr's care ard will for some time to
come. but when my condition is such tina.
ran get out of the house I will at once
give you notice of the same. Respect
| fully yours. G. w. McFay.
| Master of the steamship Larchmont, Iii
John street. Providence. r. I.
State Of Rhode Island. S., rcvidence
| IL Providence. this 18th day of February
| 1907. personally appeared before ne. G
| W. McNay, known to me and known by
NE to be the party who signed the above
statement and made oath that all parts
! contained herein are true and correct tC
| the best of his knowledge and belief.
Charles NJ Kelley Notary Public