THE LOSS OF THE CUTTER TANEY. — The Revenue Cutter Taney, Capt. Martin, was struck by a squall at one o'clock, P.M., Tuesday, about a mile and a half below Governor's Island, New York harbor, thrown on her beam ends, and sunk. The captain reports that about 1 o'clock, after having proceeded a mile below Governor's Island, with a very light air, the vessel was struck by a white squall, which seemed to fall aboard almost vertically, causing the vessel to capsize and fill in an instant. So limited were the extent and duration of the squall, that pilot boats and other vessels in various directions within 150 yards of the spot, were becalmed, and cruising afterwards scarcely more than a breath of air could be perceived. Capt. Martin also states that it was so sudden that not a ripple was observed to indicate its approach. From this circumstance he is convinced that it did not strike in a horizontal direction, and as a proof of its great force, the vessel when knocked down was simultaneously submerged. Five persons were drowned; their names are as follows -- Thomas Jackson, Quartermaster; James F. Stiff, do; Thomas Doran, seaman; Henry McGregor, boy; James McGlue, do. One man named James Hoyt, is missed by the captain, but it is said that he was picked up by one of the pilot boats. Thomas Doran, and old seaman, was jammed between one of the guns, a twelve pounder, and the sail, and was taken down in that position. The cutter was bound for Fire Island. where a site was to be selected for a life boat, to be built by government for the Humane Society.
Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius.
Sjöhistoriska Samfundet | The Maritime History Virtual Archives | The Boston Daily Atlas | Search.
Copyright © 1998 Lars Bruzelius.