The Topeka state journal., 1908-12-05
YANKEE SINKS.
q. s. Cruiser Which Has Been
Grounded Since September.
Had just Been Floated at a Cost
of $S7 800.
STARTED UNDER TOW
Turned Turtle While at Anchor
During the Night.
1t Is Thought That She Can Be
FlOated Again.
STARTED UNDER TOW

New Bedford, Mass, Dec. 5.-The
United States cruiser Yankee which
was f1oated yesterday after having been
aground on a reef at the western en-
trance to Buzzards Bay, for several
weeks, sunk early today off Penikese
island. The $50 members of the crew
were landed safely.
The Yankee was proceeding under
tow to this city, accompanied by the
naval collier Lebanon and two tugs.
1t was intended, as soon as the cruiser
had been freed from the reef near Hen
and Chickens ledge to tow her to New
port, but a hasty southeast gale made
such a plan impracticable and the
cruiser and her conveys started for this
port.
When darkness set in the officers
in charge of the cruiser deemed
inasmuch the Lebanon draws
more than 20 feet of water and
it was thought that it would be haz-
ardous to bring a vessel of such
draught into New Bedford after dark.
chorage in the lee of Penikese island,
one of the Elizabeth group, to the
north of Cuttyhunk.
1t was about a. m. when the Yankee
went down. Although no details are
yet available. it is understood that the
have sunk in fairly shoal water with
her tunnels showing above the surface,
and it is thought that she can be
raised again.
The sinking of the Yankee was the
elimination of an unfortunate cruise
from Newport to the neighborhoOd of
Martha's Vineyard to attend the sub
marine f1otilla in their fall maneuverS.
While on her way from Cuttyhunk to
NIpW q n
kee struck on Spindle rock, a part of
the Hen and Chickens reef at the west
ern entrance to BuzZard's bay. during
a thick fog on September 23 After per
sistent efforts by the government to
free the cruiser had failed, John Ar
buckle. the New York sugar refiner,
believing that he could float the vessel
by use of compressed air, offered his
services and a contract was made be-
tween Mr.. Arbuckle and the navy de-
partment by the terms of which the
former was to get $S7, 500 if he f1oated
the Yankee. while, if he failed. he was
to receive $4,000 as part payment for
his services. long and difficult task
was presented, but yesterday the Yam
xee was fioated.
The commander of the Yankee. Chas.
G. Marsh, has remained on board the
Yankee ever since she struck the ledge
iered, Commander Marsh had left her
leck but once and on that occasion he
went to Newport to consult with naval
officials on the plans for floating the
How 1t Happened.
Washington, Dec. 5.-Oficial ad- |
ices from Commander Marsh. in
command of the Yankee, today, ad- |
Uses the navy department of the sink
ng of the vessel after 1t had been |
'aised and was enroute from Hen and /
Chickens to New Bedford.
after floating he says, "the ship |
lad a list to starboard which in
,reased until a broken berth deck air
,ort flooded the compressor room
md fire room. Ship listed steadily
md sank deeper. When the open
leck was awash all hands were sent
way on tugs and we had no
asualties. Ship settled quickly in AZ
eet of water. Wrecking company
will renew operations at once"
A court of inquiry will be ap-
,ointed to establish the respon-
ibility of Commander Marsh or
ther officers of the Yankee for the
ccid1nt.