Salisbury Beach, MA Schooner FLORIDA Wrecked, Feb1896

FIVE MEN IN THE RIGGING.

DARKNESS SHUT IN ON THE WRECK OF THE SCHOONER FLORIDA.

LIFE CREW WALKED TWELVE MILES IN THE STORM, BUT FAILED TO EFFECT A RESCUE -- TWO BODIES CAME IN.

Newburyport, Mass., Feb. 9. -- A three-masted schooner, supposed to be the Florida of New York, went ashore this afternoon off Salisbury Beach.
When first observed by two Seabrook fishermen seven men were seen on the schooner. The attempted to launch the yawl boat but it was smashd to pieces in the terrible seas. The men then took to the rigging and lashed themselves to the main and mizzen masts.
There is no life saving station at Salisbury Beach the nearest one being at Plum Island but the Merrimac River separates them and there is no means of communication except via Newburyport.
The telephone station is three miles distant and to this point one of he fishermen hastened. He communicated with this city and the station at Plum Island was notified.
The life savers crossed the river and walked half a dozen miles in the face of the storm. In the meantime horses were secured and the apparatus hauled over the road, a distance of twelve miles. Shortly after 8 o'clock the life savers started to throw a life line to the ill-fated vessel, but owing to the darkness and the heavy wind, no definite aim could be taken.
About 9 o'clock one body was washed ashore and shortly afterwards a second body was observed in the surf. At 10 o'clock the life savers were endeavoring to get a line over to the vessel and they will continue their efforts through the night, in the hope of rescuing the five men who are supposed to be on the schooner. It is highly probable, however, that all have perished.

The Morning Times Washington District of Columbia 1896-02-10
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!