New-York tribune., 1913-10-14


AS hill just before the explosion was
one Of the ghastliest sights imaginable y
Sir Evan NJ. James, X. c. ]. f., said.
Il could smell smoke for miles before
we sighted the Volturno, and indeed,
could only see the smoke for time
even after we arrived on the scene.
Then gradually we saw the flames come
up and spread amidships. and next Y
great mound of flame in front OF the
hatch. Later in the night the mound
became so fierce that / thought all the
emigrants unless they jumped would be
roasted alive"
Spureeon Adds to Story.
Arthur Spurgeon, who yesterday sent
TrintepohI's graphic story by wireless
and described the rescue work around
the burning vessel, supplemented his
dispatches with additional details to-
day.
The story of what took place on
board the Volturno before the arrival
of the Carmania," he said. probably
will not be known until Captain Inch
makes his official report. Some say
manner; others declare that a panic
took place, resulting in the taking over
Of the boats by the fear-crazed crew
after the fire got out of control. II
10 ha
souls in these boats, all of whom were
killed or drowned. The Carmania pas
sengers were told that not more than
one-third of those in the boats were
women and children.
when Captain Barr gave the order
TO launch a lifeboat ii was received
with a ringing cheer, but the attempt
at rescue failed, and as further efforts
to get alongside the Volturno meant
certain death 10 the boat crew. Second
Officer Gardner regretfully gave the
order TO turn back. After two hours
battling with the sea the boat again
came within hail of the Carmania and
was almost smashed against the side
Of its own ship. But finally it was
lifted aboard. amid cheering.
Situation Becomes Desperate.
Late in the afternoon. after the feet
of rescuing ships had gathered about
the doomed ship, the captain Of the
Volturno sent a message that the situa-
tion was becoming desperate. At
tempts were made to send RATS from
the Carmania. and these almost reached
the burning vessel. but just missed it,
and thereby was lost the chance TO get
a line aboard.
Shortly afterward Captain Inch re-
ported that the upper plates would
soon give way. An explosion which
seemed 10 seal the doom of the ship
followed. In desperation an attempt
was made by the Volturno to send a
boat with a line to the Grosser Kur-
first. but the boat was hurled against
the German liner. The men were
saved.
"The night aboard the Carmania was
one never to be forgotten. No one got
more than snatches of sleep. Some
prayed for the souls in peril. All were
racked with heartbreaking anxiety.
Our utter helplessness was appalling.
The finest feet of liners ever gathered
In one spot in the Atlantic were practi-
cally impotent, even with their splendid
equipment, 10 render aid on account
of the great waves.
Passengers Afraid to Jump.
Soon after midnight the Grosser
Kurfurst succeeded in lowering boat,
which had almost as painful an expert
ence as the Carmanias. After getting
within speaking distance Of the Vol
turno the officer in charge Of the boat
shouted TO the passengers to jump. But
either they did not hear or were afraid
to respond. The people aboard the fire
ship were in state of semi collaps
they were overcome by the sight Of the
destruction of many Of their fellows
in the morning They, knew that the
fire was creeping on them inch by inch.
When the detonators and rockets stored
in the chart room exploded they thought
the end had come. Terror drove them
almost mad. 1t was hell" Trintepohl
said.
Meanwhile disaster threatened a
boats crew from the Minneapolis be-
cause Of broken rudder The search
light OF the Carmania revealed their
plight and boat was sent to their
rescue. When brought alongside the
Cunarder their boat was smashed
against the side. but the officer and
crew were saved. They had been out
for five hours.
This time spent in rescuing the Min