The Washington herald., 1910-09-19
MOTOR BOAT RIDES
WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS
Capt. Larsen Passes Through
Gorges of Niagara.

Niagara Falls. N. Y. Sept. 1s.-Capt.
Klaus Larsen this afternoon demonstrate
ed that a motor boat can safely pass
through the Whirlpool Rapids and whirl-
pool. but his little launch, the Ferro.
came 10 grief between the whirlpool and
Lewiston. The engine would not work,
and she drifted into an eddy near Mag
ara University. and there when the boat
was pulled ashore Larsen was helped
out and after being placed aboard an
electric car was taken 10 Lewiston.
There he was congratulated by many for
his daring voyage through the gorge I'm
a launch eighteen feet long and five feet
beam
The afternoon was dark and gloomy.
but the threatening weather did not deter
thousands from gathering on the banks.
the bridges. and down in the gorge 10
witness Larsens feat. II is some years
since a man voluntarily faced the wild
waters OF the gorge IN search Of fame.
II was O'Clock before he made the
start from the Maid OF the Mist. land
Ing on the Canadian side Of the river
two miles above the rapids
The Ferro seemed in fine condition.
Leaving the dock ne sent her 10 mid
stream, and then he headed straight for
the rapids. He kept right in the cen
ter The little launch made a nice ap-
pearance speeding through waters seldom
pierced by craft, At sos O'Clock Larsen
passed under the railway bridges and
It was evident there was no turning
back. He was in full view as HIS head
appeared above the canvas over the
cock pit which protected his body. His
right hand firmly grasped the helm.
Under fun power he drove her into
the rapids. She took the waves IN fine
shape. Like a shot out OF gun the boat
and its human occupant were hurled into
the pool. Larson had hoped to turn
right out at the outlet. but In this he
failed. as he was carried around 10 the
Canadian side on the currents. but found
time 20 wave his arms to the people on
shore. He was afraid OF the driftwood.
and quickly pushed the boat across the
maelstrom toward the outlet through
which he passed en- route to Lewiston.
The worst half Of the trip was over
but for some reason the engine ceased To
work. and after going down stream i
mile or so Larsen found himself drift
ing IN an eddy. As he had no cars and
the engine was out Of commission. he
accepted help from shore and landed.
The boat was tied up for the night and
Larsen rode on a trolley car to Lewiston.
complaining only of a skinned arm. He
admits he was astonished at the severe
buffeting the rapids gave him.
Larsen was delayed in starting because
the mayor Of Niagara Falls made an
attempt 70 stop the foolhardly exhibition
on the ground that the hazard was at
tempted suicide. He appointed a COM
mittee OF five 20 inspect the boat With
this committee. Larsen fooled for half
an. hour before the start II was as
sembled on the Canadian dock Of the
Maid Of the Mist Larsen ran his boat
back and forth. but too far away for
adequate inspection.
Forty thousand persons lined the
bridges and banks OF the Niagara.
The delay caused by the mayors in
spect!on and some engine trouble caused
a pOstpOnement 10 4:30 o'clock. By that
time more than half the people had dis
appeared.
Larsen's Ferro is the second engine
propelled craft 10 negotiate successfully
the Whirlpool Rapids. The old Maid Of
the Mist was sent through in 1864 TO
avoid confscation.
Peter Nissen, Of Chicago, took an ordl-
nary boat through in 1900 and c. A.
Percy, of Niagara Falls. went through in
1857 and 1901