862.85/1857: Telegram

The Minister in Costa Rica ( Hornibrook ) to the Secretary of State

55. Referring to the Legation’s telegram No. 54 of March 30, 9 p.m. Belligerent ships Fella and Eisenach now at Puntarenas have been set afire by their crews. Fire first discovered about 6:30 this morning. This has been confirmed by Vice Consul Ben Zweig now at Puntarenas and by other reliable sources.

Airplanes thought to be United States Army flying over Puntarenas making observations.

Members of both crews now in life boats surrounding burning vessels apparently waiting for them to sink. Several explosions occurred on Eisenach which is now listing badly, Fella apparently not burning so fiercely.

Hornibrook