Harbor Collision Sinks Tugboat Mystic
A dense fog in Elliott Bay leads to a dramatic maritime accident, though all hands are rescued safely.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The tug Mystic lies at the bottom of Elliott Bay. She was run down and sunk by the steamer State of Washington at 10 o'clock last evening. The Mystic, Captain H.R. Morrison, had just towed the American Girl from Port Townsend to Smith's Cove and was returning to her dock in this city. It was very foggy at the time, and when somewhere nearly opposite of Schwabacher's wharf she was struck quartering opposite the pilot house and cut nearly through. She sunk immediately. Six men were on the Mystic at the time, and all were rescued. Captain Morrison and the mate, William Driscoll, were in the pilot house, which was pierced by the bow of the State of Washington. They were uninjured and climbed over the bow to the deck of the other boat. Engineer William McKensie and a Mr. Rothschild, of Port Townsend, a friend of Captain Morrison, were in the engine room, but got out just in time to save their lives. The fireman, Frank FJaser, was at his post, but also succeeded in getting out into the water. The steward, Mr. P.H. Hendricks, had just left the galley and came out on the forward deck. When the collision occurred he was thrown completely over the side into the water. He swam clear around the Mystic, keeping well out to avoid the suction of the steamer. All four of the men were rescued by the crew of the State, who threw them lines. They were then put ashore and sent to Hudlong's boat house, at the foot of Columbia street, where they dried out.
“The boys were all inclined to be humorous over their experience in the water, but admitted that it was a cold bath, and that overcoats were inconvenient to swim in.”
Marine accidents in Seattle's harbor were common hazards during the city's growth, reflecting the intense activity of the port that remains the backbone of the local economy. Today, radar and sophisticated navigation have replaced the perilous, fog-blind maneuvering of the late 19th century.
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