Burning of a Steamer.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 36, 3 September 1887, Page 2

Burning of a Steamer.

The particulars whioh hare come to hand of the total destruction of the river steamer Champlin at tho mouth of the Great Traverse Bay, show that twenty persons perished by either fire or water, ana seven others were missing before the despatch was sent off. The information is dated the 17th. On the previous day the steamer was making the passage, and when the passengers were mostly in bed, a stream of name was seen to shoot up from bendath the engines. The engineer was driven from his post, and he rushed on deck with his clothing ablaze. He ran to the hurri* cane deck, and plunged into a tank of water. He endeavoured to return to the engine-room, but could not do so for the flames. In consequence the engines of th* steamer could not be stopped, and the boat was forced along at a great pace. The passengers were all awakened, but were in a terrible state. The flames enveloped tho vessel with extraordinary rapidity. Two boats and rafts were lowered, but as the steamer rushed through the water the boats and rafts got adrift. The passenger* had no time allowed them to do anything for their own safety. All of them jumped into the water, clinging as beet as they could to floating wreckage; The scenes were terrible. Many were burned to death. The vessel herself was burned to the water’s edge. Both passengers and crew alike had to struggle for their lives. The survivors were saved by fishing boats and a yawl. The origin of the fire was unknown, but was supposed to be through an oil lamp exploding.