The
hold was flooded with water from the hose, but the smoke continued to
pour out in dense volumes, and ultimately they had to abandon all
hope of saving the ship except by opening the sluices and letting the
water in. Before doing this the vessel was taken into five fathoms
of water, so that when she settled down her decks would be above
water, and she might the more easily be pumped out and raised. While
these orders were being executed, the whole of the saloon passengers,
assisted by many of the crew, were engaged in transferring the
emigrants to the mail tender which had just come alongside. About 300
or 400 soon crowded her decks, and she landed them at Moville pier,
after which she returned for orders. Subsequently the second tender
took off most of the saloon passengers, many wounded, and a large
quantity of baggage. The boats were lowered in order to save the
baggage. The mail tender returned and took the rest of the people,
and I went with them, and we reached Derry about nine o'clock that
night. I cannot refrain from referring to the heroic conduct of one
lady, [Footnote: Miss Catherine Ellis of Tryon House] a saloon
passenger, who, while partially dressed, rescued a baby that was
fearfully burnt, at considerable risk to herself; the mother had
proceeded to Derry, thinking she had lost her child for ever.
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