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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Jul 22, 1905
Page
5
Eyewitness account recalls the Bennington boiler blast that killed and injured many sailors. Ramona and DeRussey crews aided rescues, ambulances crowded the waterfront, and physicians rushed to aid the wounded.
A historical chronology lists fatal and serious incidents involving U S battleships in peacetime. Maine suffers a February 1898 explosion in Havana Harbor killing two officers and 251 men. 1900s fires, boiler failures, and powder blasts afflict Texas, Massachusetts, Missouri, and other vessels with multiple deaths and injuries during peacetime operations.
Navy officials in Washington react with shock as news arrives of a catastrophic boiler explosion on the gunboat Bennington in San Diego. Commander Lucien Young reports heavy casualties and the department orders aid to San Diego while notifying next of kin with condolences.
The Bennington's four locomotive gunboat boilers, 17 feet 9 inches by 9 feet 9 inches, were 15 years old and often repaired. Safety valves set at 145 pounds while cruising fed 140 to 185 pounds of steam. retubed in 1903-04. Navy records note poor overall condition but good internal state. temporary repairs at Mare Island in May. No unsafe condition reported despite ongoing concerns.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Charles H. Darling stated the Bennington disaster prompted no unusual boiler reports. He noted a March boiler condition report and May repairs, and said Navy boilers remain under constant attention and inspection by engineers.
Cincinnati man Nagel., formerly on the Bennington, expresses gratitude for being reassigned to the Maryland now in Boston Harbor. He credits the transfer with saving him from likely loss as he recalls fellow Bennington crewmen and praises the ship's boilers and crew. He notes deep sorrow for the Bennington disaster. The report also mentions clergymen in Toronto endorsing Agnew's Catarrhal Powder.
News of the Bennington gunboat disaster at San Diego reached Newport tonight stirring regret. The Bennington and its officers were well known here and lists of killed and injured were eagerly awaited. Naval social events for the evening were cancelled.
The Lynn Cadet Band delivered a splendid programme at Wolf's My Clothier venue on Hanover and Portland streets drawing an immense audience. Police controlled crowds and traffic smoothly as the event exceeded attendance of prior shows. A Fitchburg Band is announced to perform next Friday evening, July 28.
President Roosevelt was greatly shocked by the gunboat Bennington disaster in San Diego Harbor. He learned of the accident by telegram from Acting Secretary of the Navy Darling and expressed profound regret, reserving further comment until full details are received.
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