The Tragic Story of the Empress of Ireland, and Other Great Sea Disasters

by Logan Marshall

TESTIMONY OF JAMES RANKIN

James Rankin, a passenger from Vancouver, B. C., and a marine engineer, said:

“I was aroused by the noise and ran out. There was a big pitch to the deck. I really cannot tell you how the accident occurred. I heard the whistle blow when I reached the deck. There was a heavy fog and you could hardly see fifty yards. Five minutes after the collision the fog lifted. The boats on the lower side were in the water and four or five of them got away and saved many people.

“I think that if the collier had kept her bow in the hole she had made in the Ireland’s side, she would have been able to make the shore and probably have saved every one.

“The behavior of the officers on the Empress was beyond all praise. They did everything they could. The engineers remained below until they could get no more steam and the lights went out.”