Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-09-06
miles southwest of Fastnet at $3.50
o'clock Saturday evening. One or two
Americans were on board, but none
was lost. The loss Of life was about

miles southwest Of Fastnet at $50
o'clock Saturday evening. One or two
Americans were on board, but none
was lost. The loss Of life was about
eight.
1.-The vessel has not sunk. Admiralty
boats landed the passengers and troops
at $3.50 this morning, and have re-
turned to bring the Hesperian in here
(Queenstown). It Is due about 9
o'clock tomorrow morning.
There were about forty-five Cana
dian troops on board, unorganized and
mainly invalided.
"One Al gun was mounted and Wis
ible on the stern. The vessel was
bound for Montreal"
Torpedo Hits Engine Room.
The attack was made about $3.50
Saturday evening. The Hesperian, q
vessel Of 1920 tons gross. had sailed
from Liverpool and was proceeding at
good rate of speed when the torpedo
struck 1t.
None on board had seen the UNDER
sea craft, but 1t is supposed to have
followed the vessel and crept closer
when darkness fell.
The torpedo struck the Hesperian
forward Of the engine room, tearing
away the forward part, so that water
rushed into tho forward compartments.
The wireless operator instantly sent
out call for aid. while Captain Main
ordered the boats over the side. AS
in the case of nearly all vessels in the
war zone, the Hesperian had Its life
boats swung out ready> for instant
use, and they were got away quickly,
the greater number being we'll filled.
Three Lifsboats capsizsd.
Three of the lifeboats are said to
have been upset in launching, and
twenty persons who were injured have
been landed at Queenstown. SO far as
known. all those thrown into the water
were saved.
A feet of rescue steamers soon
reached the scene and all the persons
in the small boats were taken aboard.
When Il was seen that the Hes
perian was likely to remain afloat Tor
some time. Captain Main, regarded as
one Of the most reliable commanders In
the Allen line service. insisted upon
returning t. his ship to await the ar
rival Of admiralty tugs. which ne
hoped would be able to take it safely
to Queenstown. Twenty Of his men
went back with him.
steam, was expected to reach Queens
town early Monday morning.
Survivor Tells Of Attack.
Ronald Whiteway, Of London, who,
with his wife, was a passenger on the
Hesperian, said on his arrival in
knocked US out Of our chairs.
I'VE were sitting on the upper deck.
the weather being delightful. when we
felt a violent impact which almost
knocfied Us cut OF our chairs.
"In less tine than ] can tell OF It
a huge volume OF water rose almost al
high as the masts, and breaking,
drenched us to the skin. We had
thought we were out Of the danger
zone and were discussing the possible"
ity Of pleasant voyage.
-rhe lifebcats were quickly lowered
ard rowed away from the steamer. on
which the captain and officers ana
some Of the crew remained. Ene
steamer apparently was struck on the
starboards side, but 40 It was nearly
dark the torpedo could not. be seen
After the explosion the Hesperian set
tied down by the head. Rescue
steamers were soon on the scene ana
took the passengers on board"
psath List May Roach Twsnty.
A later message from Consul Frost to
the merican embassy said the total loss
Of life might reach twenty. According
to information telegraphed by MT.
Frost the Hesperian went down at 6:4o
o'clock, not far from the scene OF the
explosion.
A Reuter- telegram from Amsterdam
saws a semi official message from Ber-
lin concerning the torpedoing OF tie
He.perian states that details must be
awaited as to whether the vessel was
torpedoed at all. and If so, the curcum-
stances which led to the torpedoing.