ENSIGN PUGMIRE’S STORY
Ensign Pugmire, connected with the financial department in Toronto, calmly told the tale of his survival to the tearful friends who asked for last tidings of their beloved Commissioner Rees. In describing his impressions more in detail, Ensign Pugmire said that there was no shock at the time of the collision.
“I heard a grazing sound as if we were touching a berg,” he said, “and as the sound continued I went up on deck, curious to see what was wrong. I never got back to my cabin. The life-belts were all there. The ship was already listing over dangerously. It was all the work of a moment.
“Yes, there were a number of passengers on deck with me at the time, but when I looked over my shoulder as I grabbed the rail, I could see the gangways jammed with people. I passed Major Simcoe’s berth going up and asked her if she was not coming. She told me to leave her and find out what the matter was. Her body was among the first picked up on shore.
“Shouting? None at all. Every one was orderly and quiet. No one had time to realize what was going on. We could not launch the boats because we could hardly stand up, so heavy did the list become. We had to take the side, and only the swimmers like myself are left of those who went over with me.
“I saw Commissioner Rees when he ran back to get his wife. Major Frank Morris tried hard to save him, for he carried him on his shoulders as long as he could. Morris was a hero.
“There was an explosion just as the ship went down, and that must have killed hundreds outright. The shock of it blew Morris right overboard. Morris’ arm was badly scalded with the steam.
“We saw the ship heeling over when we were in the water, but there was no outcry until she had disappeared. The swimmers then shouted to attract the life-boat that was already coming. My comrades died like Salvationists.”