Washington, NC Tug J L Patterson Wrecked in Storm, Jun 1902

FIVE DROWNED IN A STORM

Wind Capsized a Tug – Terrific Electric Storm Accompanied by Heavy Wind.

Washington, N. C., June 28. -- With a fearful burst of thunder and lightning one of the hardest electric storms ever known struck here last night. The average velocity of the wind was about forty-five miles an hour, though it came in flaws as hard as fifty.
The tug J. L. Patterson, belonging to the Kugler Lumber Company, was towing two schooners, run by E. B. MOORE, the fish dealer here and when the squall struck the wind turned the boat on her side and she took water. The boat was turned on end and the pilot house was entirely torn away, carrying with it two persons. Five persons were on the boat. All were drowned.
The dead:
WILLIAM J. WOMBLE, captain.
HENRY DAVENPORT, engineer.
DICK WALTERS, fireman.
JOHN CHERRY, cook.
ALLEN MOORE, the son of E. B. MOORE, was on the boat in the pilot house and was carried off by the wind and waves.
The United States buoy tender Viola was in port and it took on two submarine divers and went to the scene of the disaster. Several tugs are assisting in the recovery of the bodies.

Brooklyn Eagle New York 1902-06-29
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!