Detail of the 'List of drowned,' S.S. Bohemian, Feb. 22, 1864
Item 5742 info
Maine Historical Society
Anchors were dropped to keep the Bohemian from drifting seaward, and the captain ordered the lifeboats deployed.
While most lifeboats were able to safely launch, a support pin in lifeboat number two gave way, spilling passengers into the ocean.
Other lifeboats sailed without a full capacity, leaving about 70 passengers stranded on deck.
Though Captain Borland managed to get 50 into the rigging, others were washed overboard as the ship settled into the water.
Two crewmembers and 40 passengers, all from steerage class, perished.
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