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The was about 2:30 p.m. and for a few minutes the 'Clallam' steamed ahead. In a little while the vessel came to a standstill, and about 3 o'clock the captain came to the conclusion that the boat was sinking and ordered lifeboats lowered. The order was given that women and children should be the first in the boats. One officer of the engineer's department threatened to "shoot the first man who attempted to get into the boats." The first boat lowered contained about twelve women and children and a crew of about six men, and Mrs. Reynolds got into the first boat. The boat only got away from the 'Clallam' a short distance when suddenly the boat capsized and its occupants were lost. Mr. Grimes helped to lower the second boat. This contained all the rest of the women and children, about ten, and a crew of six men. |