File No. 841.857/341
The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5.30 p.m.]
5676. Consul, Queenstown, telegram 12th, British Steamer Vedamore.
Master of Vedamore, British subject, in affidavit to Consul, Liverpool, states ship left Baltimore, January 26, for Liverpool with general cargo, carried one gun in stern. Six o’clock morning, February 7, sea having high swell, wind light, visibility clear, ship 20 miles south Bull Rock, 20 miles west Fastnet, ship received tremendous shock starboard side above engine room, broke up dynamos, engines, and wireless. No other vessels in sight. Captain unable state positively torpedo, but of opinion it was. Ship sunk five minutes. Those of crew not killed or injured took to [boats?]. [Page 131] Crew consisted 60 persons, 35 rescued. Crew contained 15 Filipinos of whom 8 drowned, 1 died of exposure; 6 saved, of whom 1 in hospital; also 1 Porto Rican now in hospital, and 2 American negroes, of whom 1 drowned. Crew in boats 10 hours when finally rescued.