A STEAMER ON FIRE.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 143, 3 August 1880, Page 4

A STEAMER ON FIRE.

Tiie steamer Savanaka was burnt oft ’Bandall’s Island, New York, on 28th Jaine,'despatch from:that city gives *thp following, particulars,:—-The fire o was paused. by an explosion in the engine.room,' and 'the : 1 midiclle • of the -nii ill nil

steamboat was soon in flames. Captain Charles Smith remained at his post until he was nearly burned to death, and succeeded in beaching the vessel on a suukem meadow adjoining the island. Many sprang overboard and were drowned. Many others on the stern of the vessel Avould not get off, and were burned to death ; of 500 persons supposed to be on board, 50 are believed to have perished. Charles Abel, fireman, states :—I heard a noise, and looking round saAv flames pouring out of the fire room. I got up and tried to make my Avay into the fire-room, but the flames were too much for me. We Avere just off Randall’s Island, and running forwai’d I called to the Captain, avlio Avas at the Avheel, to head for the shore, but he shouted back that he could not, I then ran into the cabins fonvard, and urged the passengers to save themselves. They did not suspect that the vessel Avas on fire then as there was no smoke or flame blowing in their direction. At that time the Avoodwork of the vessel about her centre Avas burning like tinder, and the flames Avere making their Avay tOAvards both ends of the boat. There Avere probably three hundred persons on board. Men Avere jumping, from the hurri-cane-deck into the Avater, and a large number of terrified Avomen and children Avere huddled together near the stern of the boat. I clambered over the rail near the boAv, and several men almost jumped upon me before I took to the Avater to save myself. I found a life-preserver floating near me and Avas going to put it on Avhen a man clutched it. I, knoAving I could sAvim, and thinking he could not, let him have it., and SAvam for Ward’s Island, Avhich I reached. I then helped to man a boat and assisted in picking up the passengers in the Avater. A passenger says:—The vessel burnt like powder after once the flames Avere started, and it Avas a terrible scene. Shrieking Avomen had huddled aft, until their clothes caught fire, and those on the forward part of the boat Avere the men, avlio Avere cut off from communication with or going to therescue of their families, relatives, and friends by the flames, which burned fiercest about the centre of the boat. Maircs, our porter, saAv a child floating on its back, and Avas going to jump over to save it Avhen a frantic woman clutched his arm, saying, “You are a strong man, and I am a Avoman Avithout any friends on board, for God’s sake help me.” The porter left the child to itself, and I believe saved the woman. A. lady was climbing doAvn the ladder leading from the promenade deck to the main deck, but as the ladder is a pretty hard thing for a man to get doAvn on at any time, she fell into the gangAvay amid the flames. M\’self and about dozen others rescued her from her perilous position.