The Washington herald., 1913-10-12

tore the ship in two. This intensified the
fears of the passengers, all Of whom
| believed that their hours OF life were
numbered. The more courageous gave
words of cheer to the timid, telling them
! that help would soon be at hand. ON
lantic Transport Line which left New
York October for London: the Kappa
hammock, which left London October 4
for St. John. n. b; the Gar, of the
Russian-American Line, which sailed
from New York on October for Rot
terdam and Libau: the Narragansett, a
Standard Oil tank steamer, which sailed
from New York October for Liverpool;
the Devonian. of the Leyland line, bound
from Boston for Liverpool. and the
Kroonland. OF the Red Star Line which
left Bremen October for New York.
Lffehonts Dashed to Pieces.
Shortly before darkness closed in over
the scene Capt. Inch ordered six life
boats manned and filled with all women
and children who cared TO leave. These
boats had barely touched the water when
they were hurled against the side of the
VoIturnO and four of them were crushed
like eggshells. The other two managed
10 get clear OF ;he burning vessel, and
one was picked up by the Car and the
other by the Seydlitz.
II was Il en- apparent TO the captains
OF the eleven vessels that any attempt at
rescue by means of IifebOats would prove
unavaiIing Capt Barr then brought the
Carmania close TO the stern of the Vol
turno and fired several lines at the burn
ing ship. But the gale was too strong
and the leaden ends fell into the sea.
One line carried close to the rail and
scores Of eager hands reached out to
clutch the line that meant safety. But
when the line fell a few feet short OF
the VoIturnO's stern a cry of anguish
went up from the frantic passengers,
which was carried to the other vessels.
Capt. Barr Takes Command.
BY consent OF the commanders of ALI
OF the vessels in the rescue fleet. Capt.
Barr was allowed to take command OF
the situation. He then decided that the
ten vessels which formed the rescue feet
would form in battle line in a circle
about the VolturnO. Then. under half
speed. the ten vessels began a march
around the VolturnO-at that time mass
Of fiames-which continued throughout
the night
All of the vessels were brilliantly
lighted. but only two searchlights were
used, owing to the danger of binding the
men on the bridges. The lights were
from the Carmania. One of these was
kept on the Volturno. while the other
played about over-the other vessels, en-
abling them to keep at a safe distance
from one another.
All through the night the captains kept
up a conference by means of the wire
less. While numerous plans were sug-
gested, each calling for a desperate at
tempt to reach the burning liner. all of
these were abandoned, and it was decided
that the only hope lay in the chance that
side Somewhat.
Gale Stays RescuerS.
But through each hour of the night
the gale swept over the sea. tossing great
waves at the vessels, causing them to-
roll and pitch so that they were nearly
half out of the water. AS the hurricane
swept over the NolturnO gusts of sparks,
and frequently burning masses. would be
sent whirling away over the water. But
while the force of the gale prevented
any attempt at removing the passengers
and crew from the Volturno, il also
caused the waves to drench the decks of
the burning vessel and made life on the
floating furnace possible.
Shortly before dawn the watchers on
the vessels which formed the circle
were appalled, to see an immense flame
shoot up from about the middle of the
Vulturno. An instant later this was fol-
lowed by report which could be heard
on all Of the vessels. When the mass Of