Smith Island, WA Steamer Clallam Sinking, Jan 1904

Terrible steamship disaster.

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 10. --- The steamer Clallam, of the Seattle-Victoria fleet, went down early yesterday morning midway between Smith Island and Dungeness, in the straits of Juan de Fuca. Fifty-two persons were drowned. Every woman and child aboard was a sacrifice to the fierce storm that raged in the straits Friday night.

The boats were launched and in these some of the passengers were entrusted to the angry waters. The first boat contained only women and children --- three deck hands from the Clallam and Captain LAWRENCE of Victoria going off in her.

The boat was overwhelmed 600 feet from the Clallam and its occupants shrieked in vain for aid from those aboard the steamer. Not a hand could be raised to aid them.

The second boat rowed away into the darkness. From on board the Clallam men were seen as the waves tore them from the boat, but it was still afloat.

The third boat, containing only men, was swamped in launching.

Summit County Journal Utah 1904-01-16
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!