People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1895 — TO BE INVESTIGATED. [ARTICLE]

TO BE INVESTIGATED.

BRITISH CONSUL WILL TAKE ACTION IN A STRANGE CASE. Th* B*mo> for th* Ab**d<m aH tt th* Burning Ve**el, Why Not, toy It* Crow, Not Yet Known—Yeatordny** New* from Aero** the Water. St. Malo, June 12. — Particulars have been received here of the desertion of the passengers by the crew of the British vessel Why Not after fire broke out on board the ship while on her way to the island of Jersey. It appears that fire was discovered in the Why Not’s hold Saturday and while the sailors were attempting to quench the flames a bucket was dropped overboard. A boat was lowered to recover it and the captain jumped into this boat and was followed by the crew. One passenger sprang overboard and swam after the boat, into which he was reluctantly taken. The deserted passengers were greatly alarmed and the excitement among them increased when a small boat was seen to be pulling for Erquay,where the crew eventually land ed. Taking advantage of a breeze the passengers handled the Why Not as best they could and succeeded In beaching her near Erquay. The incident has caused intense excitement at St. Brieux, the nearest town to Erquay, and the matter is being thoroughly investigated by the local authorities. The captain of the Why Not, although not under arrest, is closely watched by the police. It is understood that the British consul here will take the matter up and upon his report will depend further action.