The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-18
Long Struggle to Make Shore Finally Meets With Success. Without Shelter, Men Wait Upon Island for Rescuers. Saved After Giving Up Hope
SAILORS SUFFER GREATLY FROM EXPOSURE IN COLD
Rockets Failed at First to At-
 tract Passing Ships-0nIy One Man Seriously Injured by Experience in Wreck of the Steamer Tuscan Prince


 (By Associated Press.) "A story of long battle through thick fog and heavy seas that eliminated in shipwreck on the barren coast of Village Island, of long wait in bitter cold and driving anow be- fore rescue finally came, was told by survivors of the wrecked steamer Tuscan Prince on board the coast guard cutter Snohomish today. Their story was flashed into Seattle by radio from the Snohom- ish, which is on her way to Port Angeles, where the shipwrecked linen were to be landed tonight.
 The Tuscan Prince, bound from San Francisco to Seattle with cargo of pig iron and coke, struck reef at Village Island, near Ucluelet, at a. m., Thursday.
 In 10 minutes the vessel was stranded and had bro1en in two. The first wave had carried away the propeller and rudder. After brief call for help the radio was put out of commission.
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 Grinds on Rocks.
 Grinding on the rocks. the steamer crashed over a ledge and wedged tightly. Seas broke over the decks. carrying away the weather boats. Qao Afe .,1 . they were not seen. A boat was launched, but it was dashed ashore and destroyed. Its occupant, a sea man was saved by being thrown on the beach by the waves.
 The seaman carried line ashore. A heavier line dragged to vantage point by means of the first one en- abled those who so desired to aban- don the wrecked vessel. The men managed to land quan- titX of goods and water; fires were eghted. and then without shelter they prepared to wait for rescue
 Their island was 100 yards long and 50 yards wide. bush covered.
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 Seek Provisions. 7il7
 Day finally came, and at low tide a detail went back to the ship for more provisions. The men suffered badly from exposure. for they had lit tie clothing. Snow was melted to fur nish water.
 The day, they said, was heart- breaking. Once a small boat ap- peared and the crew hoisted signals 2 and shouted until they were hoarse but without avail. The boat passed by. The coming of night brought no hope of succor.
 Some time during the night the lights of what appeared to be large ship shone through the darkness. Rockets and flares were sent up. but although they burned brightly, the ship gradually drew away and dis appeared. 1t was the derenct Nika, drifting by With flames smouldering in it's hold, the aftermath of a fire that had destroyed it the day before off the Washington coast.
 Gave Up Hope.
 On Friday the men had about given up hope. Late in the day a surf boat appeared and 'recue was at Nhand.
 The surf boat from the life saving station at Bamfield, and the Snoho- niish, summoned by report that a Japanese fisherman had sighted the stranded vessel, had hurried up the oo asst fer Clo-Oose. where the 32 members of the crew of another steamer. the santa Rita, were wrecked in the same gale were like wise huddled together on the beach, waiting for rescue.
 By night fall last night IA of the Tuscan Princes complement of 4S officers and men had been trans 1crred to the Snohomish. The others were taken off today.
 Then the Snohomish steamed for Clo-Oose, where at noon the Santa Ritas men were taken aboard. One was badly injured.
 FAIL TO FIND CREW BOSTON, Feb. 17.-A night and q day of search by two coast guard waters off the Virginia coast. where the Italian steamer Moncenisio re- ported herself sinking Thursday brought to light only an indication of disaster. There was no trace of the crew. The coast guard cutter Tampa re- ported today to- her headquarters here from which she made a '450- mile trip to the scene. said the steamship Johnson City found the only sign that might be of the Moncenisio, a piece of deck ptanking, freshly broken. and q loose spar. The Tampa herself was searching the waters in the hope that the crew, If tLey took to boats. might be found. the message said. The cutter Seneca also was reported making search.