The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-29
5 SAILORS DROWN
AS LAUNCH is SUNK
Tender Of Destroyer Bell Cut
in Two by Bow Of the
Henley.
TEN OTHERS PICKED UP
Men Were Returning From
Shore Leave-Fleet Begins
Its Departure.

Five sailors are believed to have been
drowned in the Hudson River early yes
terday morning by the sinking Of a
motor launch from the U. s. s. destroyer
Bell. They were Dennie J. O'Connell,
second class seaman. Of the Bell, from 10
Cherry street. Derby. Conn. Enrique
Gulopa, Filipino cabin steward, OF the
same boat; Firemen William p. Oliver
OF Lucien. Mississippi. and Carl Bedell Of
1o45 Alabama street. San Francisco, and
Seaman John F. Quinn OF st. Louis. all
OF the destroyer Harding. None Of the
bodies has been recovered.
The belief that the last three named
persisted is based upon testimony OF
Radio Operator Fleming OF the Harding,
who was in the wrecked motor boat.
Fleming was picked out of the water
half an hour after the accident, and he
said he had seen both Oliver md Bedell
In the boat. He was uncertain about
Quinn. but said he had seen him on the
pier. Quinn's shipmates are convinced
he must have gone down with oliver and
Bedel. for he failed to report back from
his Sunday shore leave. He had never
overstayed leave before. they said. He
was 20 years old.
Inquiry IL Begun.
For the purpose OF fixing the blame
for the accident, II there is any, Rear
Admiral Robertson, commander OF the
second destroyer squadron, attached to
the Atlantic fleet. held a court of in
Quiry yesterday afternoon in the cabin
OF the Bell. He questioned Coxswain
Cook, who had charge of the launch, and
nine other sailors who had been res
cued from the icy waters. Commander
Charles S. Keller of the Bell sat with
him at the inquiry, which will be con-
tinued this morning.
According to the stories told by the
survivors, motor launch. belonging to
the Bell put out from the pier al 13eth
street at o'clock in the morning. car
rying about fifteen men who were re-
turning to the ships after leave ashore.
In midstream they said. the motor stalled
and the launch was whirled In the swift
current toward the battleship Missls-
sippi.
The small craft succeeded in clearing
the big ship only to strike broadside on
y,
near by. The sharp brow of the Henley
instantly cut the launch in two. sending
all OF the occupants into the stream.
Sailors on watch on the Mississippi,
Henley and the destroyer Warren
sounded alarms. Boats were hastily
lowered and under the rays of search
lights a bitter fight was made to save
the men. all of whom were badly chilled
by the temperature Of the water.
Ten Men Are Picked Up.
able to get hold of the clothing OF the
struggling men and drag ten OF them
into the lifeboats. They then searched
the waters for the rest Of the party
as long as there was any hope what
ever of saving them. The survivors and
rescuers all said the current was very
strong and made all operations ex-
tremely difficult. They expressed the
opinion that the Ave missing sailors
were so numbed by the cold as TO I'M
able TO keep on the surface.
This occurrence cast gloom over q
visit that would otherwise have re-
manned one OF the brightest of memories
20 the men of the great visiting feet.
The sailors are now preparing to leave
these waters. as Admiral Mayo has re-
turned to this city from Washington
Win OTuetb LOT luelr departure SOIIle
OF the smaller craft already have left
the harbor. and the rest OF the war
ships are due to leave Thursday.
The War Camp Community Service
and associated organizations are doing
all In their power to tighten the last
few hours which the men will have
ashore. and have arranged a series of
entertainments for the next forty-eight
hours. The officers OF the fleet are to
be entertained this evening at a ball
at the Pershing Club. Madison avenue
and Forty-fourth street. One of the
last features of the visit will be dance
for the negro sailors to be held to-
night at the Central Casino. l54th street
and Eighth avenue.