The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-07-31
FLAGSHIP NIOBE
SAVED TO CANADA
Released From rerilous
Position en- Cape Sa-
bic lie Jges.
VESSEL FLOATS
ON klSING IIOk
Cause of Disaster Not Known,
but Heavy Fog and Southeast
Gale Believed to Have Been
Responsible = Contrary to
Early Reports, No Lives
Are Lost.

Halifax, y. s.. July 30-rhe new
Canadian navy was nearly deprived of
half It's strength to-day. when the
flagship Niobe. crashed on the lodges
on the southwest of Cape Sable. Five
hours later she hoated, leaking badly
and proceeded under her own steam
power TO Shag Harbor. ten miles away
where she is a anchor with six faith
oms of water and d soft mud bottom
under her.
The first 10 reach the side OF the
disabled cruiser was the United states
revenue cutter Androscoggin, which
was cruising in the vicinity. The
Niobe's wireless cali for help was
picked up by the Androscoggin, which
promptly flashed back that she would
stand BY to help and would do al n
her power. Through the dense fog
and heavy sea, which is believed to
have been the cause of the Niobe's
accident the Androscoggin rushed.
and was standing by the Canadian
cruiser when the Canadian govern
'nent steamers Lady Laurier and
Stanley, which had been sent to the
scene. arrived from st. John. y. b.,
with the tug McNaughton, of Var
mouth. The Niobe found that she was
able to take care OF herself. Though wa
ter was pouring into several compart-
ments. her pumps kept her fairly clear.
and Commander Mcdonald. of the
cruiser. expressing his thanks 10 tho
American cutter for her help. pro-
ceeded TO safe harbor conveyed only
by the tug.
The exact means OF the release of the
Niobe were not known here up to late
hour tonight. but 1t is believed she
noated on a rising tide. Commander
Mcdonald, in command OF the cruiser.
anchored the Nicbe in q safe position
some distance from the scene OF her
mishap. awaiting the arrival of the
government steamers Lady Laurier and
Stanley. which We're dispatched TO hag'
assistance early to-day from ST John.
Cause Not known.
The cause of the accident is not yet
known. but heavy fog enshrouded
the coast. and it is said also that
southeast gale was blowing.
Sixteen men OF the crew. who left
the cruiser in two boats. were the
cause of much anxiety for many hours
after the accident. as they were lost
in the fog and a the mercy of the gale
and strong tide, which IL was feared
would wreck them on one OF the many
lodges that abound about Cape Sable
but IT was learned by wireless tonight
that all had rejoined their ship. They
went back to the cruiser in one boat.
the other apparently having been
wrecked
So extreme was considered the plight
OF the Niobe when the ship hrst
grounded that Commander Mcdonald
had ordered ali boats cleared away,
ready for abandonment of the vesNel
II necessary. The two boats which
were lost for a time. with their crews,
We're the first over the side general
nf Io
deferred until definite idea OF the
condition of the vessel had been gained
The Niobe piled up on the southwelt
ledge a l2:35 this morning, while
rounding Cape sable on her return to
Halifax. her home port from Var
mouth. where her officers and crew had
been participating in an "old home"
week celebration. The impact was so
heavy as to drive her hard upon the
man On board.
No Panic on Board.
Quarters was sounded and all the
600 men on board responded with true
naval precision. There was no panic.
and the order TO clear away the boats
was executed as II in routine drill.
Pumps We're manned and set at work.
and 1t was found that they could dis
pose of the water.
MeanWhile the wireless apparatus
was brought into play. the operators
hashing the IS. o. s" signals in all
directions and giving the vessels posi-
ton. These calls were heard at East
port and as far south as Boston, and
We're picked up also at Cape Race. ~
r. and Sable Island, and also at Father
Point. Quebec. They resulted in the
kuick dispatchins OF the government
steamers Aberdeen from this port and
the Lady Lauriar and Stanley from ST.
John. N. B.. as we'll as several other