Long Island, NY Schooner Louise Randall Wreck, rescue and recovery

Recovery of the Randalls.

The Captain and His Plucky Wife Will Leave the Hospital To-day.

Capt. RANDALL of the wrecked schooner Louise H. Randall, his courageous wife, for whom the schooner was named; First mate THOMAS SMITH and Second Mate GEORGE S. PHILLIPS are the only ones from the ill fated vessel that remain in the Presbyterian Hospital. All are in a fair way toward recovery, and will probably be able to leave the hospital this evening.

Mrs. RANDALL’S left foot was bruised during the twenty-six-hours stay in the rigging, but it is well now, and she is able to walk.

J.S. ADAMS, EMIL HAMMQUAST, FRED CARLSON, HENRY THIEL, JOHN BGASLUND, and CAPT. WILLIAMS, the other members of the rescued crew, departed from the hospital yesterday, after bidding an affectionate farewell to CAPT. RANDALL, his wife and the others. GEORGE LEGGETT, who was working his passage from Philadelphia to Boston on the Louise H. Randall, did not go to the hospital, but started for Boston when the others were landed at East Seventieth Street on Wednesday.

The New York Times, New York, NY 1 Dec 1893

--------

Life Saving Devices Defective.

The National Government Aroused By the Smith’s Point Wreck.

East Moriches, L.I., Dec. 5.-The heroic, but unsuccessful efforts, of the life savers to rescue the crew of the wrecked schooner Louise H. Randall, which went ashore on Smith’s Point, opposite this place, last week, has aroused the department at Washington. A thorough investigation is now underway. The inquiry is being conducted by Lieut. REED.

As far as can be learned, no blame attaches to the crews on duty at the wreck. Their antiquated and rotten paraphernalia was to blame for the failure to get the shipwrecked men off the vessel. At almost every shot the rocket lines parted in mid air. The detached portion fell into the sea, while the rocket sailed on through the air with a long piece of rope dangling behind, like a tail to a kite.

Had they succeeded in getting the lines safely aboard the wreck, surf men say, the ropes would undoubtedly parted while carrying the breeches buoy, and perhaps drowned some of those they were seeking to save.

The actual distance from the wreck to the shore, as measured by Capt. PENNY of the Smith’s Point station, was a little under 700 yards.

The wrecked schooner is fast going to pieces. Capt. RANDALL, her former commander, spends his time on the beach, helping to collect the wreckage.

The New York Times, New York, NY 6 Dec 1893