Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-08-31
STEAMERS BATTLE WITH GALE.

A thrilling tale of the sea, of ships
battle with hurricane that submerged
her entire length under solid water and
OF wireless operator lashed in the rig
giug calling for help, developed at
Charleston, S. c., yesterday, when II
passengers, steward and 8 colored en-
ployes Of the wrecked steamer Lexing-
ton, Of the Merchants and Miners line,
we're brought there by the revenue cut
ter Yamacraw. which left the captain
aud crew of 43 men on board. During
the, fight OF the steamer against the
storm two fremen are reported to have
been burned to death and third terri
bly, scalded. First Officer Chamberlain
sustained a fracture of his right should
eer. The steamship lies with her nose
imbedded in quick sand off Hunting
Island, at the mouth OF the Edisto
River, and it is said that she will
total loss.
The vessel was bound from Savan.
nah for Philadelphia. Captain Con-
nally, a veteran in the service of thu
Merchants and Miners line, declares
that the hurricane was the worst of hia
experience at sea. He claims, and his
statement is attested by the first mate
and steward, that the wind came in
gusts, at times making 100 miles an
hour. The roll OF the sea was terrific
Three times in one hour the entire
hull of the Lexington was completely
lost to view. With the craft at the
mercy of the elements because it was
impossible to make the least Roadway.
great seas were swept down on the bow,
covering her from stem to stern. All
passengers were huddled in the social
hall equipped with life preservers and
not few fervent prayers we're offered
that they might see the shore again.
The steamer was held for hours in
the grip OF the hurricane, with Captain
Connally, almost naked and half
frozen, standing at the wheel. Pilot
house glasses were turned in every d.
rection, with stokers working despe-
rately, while standing to the armpits in
water, ia an effort to increase the pres
sure of &c pounds of steam to sufic-
lent power to enable the vessel to steer
away from the treacherous shore.
At about 1923 O'Clock Monday after
noon two anchor cables had parted and
the Lexington went hard aground off
Hunting Island. She struck in about
1S feet OF water and listed almost 40
degrees to port, with her bow pointing
up the coast.
But for the heroism of Wireless
Operator Jack Scheetz, there would
have been no chance of rescue. After
the storm had wrecked the boats wire.
less Scheetz climbed into the rigging
and adjusted his instruments, flashing
the calls for help.
The signals were caught by the Yam
acraw, which FASTENED to Hunting
Island. Scheetz, a 16-year-old boy,
was in imminent peril OF his life while
operating the wireless, the wind almost
tearing him from bis insecure position.
The lad was utterly exhausted by his
desperate work.
men the OuilSu StdlSS iSSCuuC CoG-
ter Yamacraw came within two or
three miles of the Lexington it vas
foun,I hazardous to proceed further.
Gu two occasions bottom was touched
oy the Yamacraw, and it was only the
skilful management of Lieut.. J. L.
Ahern, commanding officer, that pre-
vented the government vessel from
suffering fate similar to that Of the
steamer she was seeking to assist.
When the government steamer hove
in sight mighty cry OF relief went up
from the sorely stricken people on the
Lexington. When urged by the Off
GERS OF the Yamacraw that he abandon
his boat Captain Connally declared he
would remain with her until only
Uaast vas left to hang to.
The Yamacraw then took off the
passengers.