| Cork, May 8 -- "From the day we
sailed, we complacently spoke of the possibilities of
the German menace, but no one believed it, for we scorned the idea of
being torpedoed." said F. J. Gauntlett of Washington, who was traveling
with A. L. Hopkins -- among the missing -- and S. M. Knox of
Philadelphia, who was saved. "A number of us were going over on business. It was shortly after 2 -- probably 10 minutes past -- and I was lingering in the dining room saloon chatting with my friends when the first explosion occured. We knew at once what had happened. Shortly the ship listed perceptibly. I shouted to the others to close the ports. Some of us went to our berths and put on life belts. Didn't Think She Was Sinking
"On making our way to the decks we were informed that there was no danger and we need not be alarmed, but the ship was gradually sinking deeper into the water and efforts were made to launch the boats. "Fifty or more people entered the first boat and as it swung from the davits it fell suddenly. I think most of the occupants perished. Other boats were launched with the greatest of difficulty. "Swinging free from one of them as it descended, I struck out, swimming strongly and steadily, for a piece of wreckage, which I observed. On reaching it I found it was one of the collapsible boats, but I had to rip the canvas with a knife before I could get it open. Another passenger climbed into it, and between us we were able to get about 30 people out of the water. While we were thus engaged, I noticed that the Lusitania was gradually sinking. Engulfed On Decks
"Women and children under the protection of the men had clustered in line on the port side, and as the ship made her plunge, down a little at the head and heeling at an angle of 90 degrees, this little army slid down toward the starboard side, dashing themselves against each other as they went, until they were engulfed." Mr. Gauntlett said he heard only one explosion and the whole tragedy was over in 20 minutes. |