SINKING OF THE EMPRESS OF IRELAND.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13448, 2 June 1914, Page 5

SINKING OF THE EMPRESS OF IRELAND.

BRAVERY AND RESOURCE.

THE STOESTADT'S CONDUCT

VICTIMS STILL IN THE HULL

NO EXPLOSION

Quebec, May 31. . Captain Kendall, of the Empress of Ireland, further examined at the inquest on the victims, declared that-he gave the order "Full speed ahead." He attempted to beach the Empress of Ireland, ordered the lifeboats out, and directed wireless calls to be despatched; but the vessel went down too rapidly. Captain Kendall was shot from the bridge while giving directions. He seized a piece of grating, and later, ■when nearly unconscious, some people pulled him into the boat. He took command, and rescued numbers of struggling people. He put ten men over the side attached to ropes, and the boat dragged them to safety. After leaving the first boatload on board the Storstadt, Captain Kendall returned in another boat, but was unable to find anyone alive. It was impossible for the Storstadt s captain to fail to hear Captain Kendall's order to stand fast and not go astern. Even if he did not hear the call to keep ahead, as a seaman he ought to have known what to do. There was no explosion; but the escaping steam might have made a noise like one. The Empress of Ireland carried amI pie boats, and there was room for hundreds more than; those on board the boats which Captain Kendall cut free. These boats floated off when the vessel sank. ■

The Storstadt rescued only a few survivors.

The Government steamers with their ensigns half-masted, brought 175 coffins to Quebec. It is believed that the remainder of the dead are still imprisoned in the Empress of Ireland's hull.

The Storstadt has been docked to ascertain the extent of her damage.