THE STORSTADT.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13485, 3 June 1914, Page 5

THE STORSTADT.

STATEMENT BY THE AGENTS,

EVERYTHING POSSIBLE DONE

SALVATIONISTS' NARRATIVES

DR. GRANT'S HEROISM

(Received Juno 2, 9.50 p.m.) Montreal, June 1. The agents for the Storstadt state that the Empress of Ireland was seen off the port bow of the Storstadt, a green light being visible. The rules of navigation gave the Stors'tadt ; the right-of-way, and the Empress of Ireland's course was changed so as to pass safely. The fog descended, and the Storstadt's engines were slowed down, and then stopped, but her course was not altered. Whistles "were heard from the Empress of Ireland and were answered. Green lights were again seen through the fog, and the engines of the Storstadt were sent astern, her way being nearly checked. When the vessels collided the Storstadt tried to keep her prow in the hole, but the Empress of Ireland slewed away and disappeared. The Storstadt frequently whistled in order to locate her, but failed to do so. She was then manoeuvred close to the Empress of Ireland, and lowered boats. Everything possible was done to assist. The officers of the Storstadt confirm . the agents' statement. Thej ' declare that scores of people wearing lifebelts were lying dead in the sea, the freezing water having benumbed them. Staff-Captain Mclntyre, of the Salvation Army, declares that unspeakable confusion reigned on board the Empress of Ireland. As the vessel lurched and listed the people climbed to the higher decks. When the Empress of Ireland sank he was carried downwards in the ■ swirling cataract.

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but- keeping his head, after fearful suffocating moments he came to the surface and grasped an overturned boat. Bandsman Green, another Salvationist, >->st his father, mother, and sister. He says his efforts to reach the deck were like climbing up a wall. The; ; was little panic excepting among the foreigners. He saw a man push into a boat before a woman, but another man knocked him down. The Salvationists sang "God be with you till we meet again," until the engulfing of the ship caused an abrupt termination. Dr. Grant's efforts are unanimously praised. He relieved both physical and mental sufferings, and brought order out of chaos. When taken on board the Storstadt he directed the laying out of the corpses, and arranged the supply of dry clothing for the women. The latest return shows that there were 1467 persons on board the Empress of Ireland, and 444 were saved, of whom 35 were first class, 38 second class, and 164 third class passengers, and 207 members of the crew. j