Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1891 — Killed by Albatresses. [ARTICLE]

Killed by Albatresses.

During the passage of a Nova Scotia bark which is now in Liverpool a most extraordinary affair is reported to have occurred, showing alike the ferocious and dangerous proclivities of the albatross. The bark had just got out of the latitude where rough weather is always encountered, states the Pall Mall Gazette, and was sailing with a fair wind, when the cry of “Man Overboard” was sounded throughout the shipi The unfortunate j fellow was a Dane, one of the crew, * and he was seen at a short distance breasting the waves. The bark was brought round, answering her helm instantly, and the vessel was soon on her way to the struggling man. Suddenly two large albatrosses were seen to descend with an eagle-like swoop and'attack the poor fellow in a terrible manner. Both birds dashed at him, and to those on board the vessel it seemed as if they were endeavoring to gouge out his eyes with their hooked bills, while with their wings they kept beating the unfortunate man about the head. sight was a terrible one, but did not last long, as the bark sailed over the course where the Dane had fallen overboard .about seven minutes before, but he was nowhere to be seen. There was no doubt in the minds of those on board that the poor fellow was killed by the albatrosses, as he was a powerful swimmer and seemed to fight desperately for a few moments with the ferocious birds. Stopping Chicago policemen from drinking while on duty ought to add materially to thenrofits of the saloonkeepers. ■