CORK, IRELAND – The harrowing ordeal of the shipwrecked crew of the Leon XIII, and their subsequent rescue by the courageous fishermen of Quilty, Clare, has left an indelible mark on the survivors. Among the thirteen sailors, Albert Slusser, an American tailor, shared a gripping account of the challenging days they spent stranded at sea before the valiant Quilty fishermen came to their rescue.
The survivors, on their way to Cork, passed through Ennis on Saturday night. In an interview, Slusser revealed the dire conditions they faced aboard the Leon XIII. The fresh water tank and supplies were located in the aft part of the vessel. Following the grounding of the ship, the men found themselves with nothing to sustain them but wheat from a sack, which had been soaked by the relentless waves sweeping over the ship. The seawater, saturated with saline properties, intensified their thirst, leaving them in a state of desperation.
Slusser spoke highly of the Quilty fishermen, to whom the rescued sailors owe their lives. He recounted a moment when, after swimming for an extended period, a huge wave capsized a canoe that was attempting to reach him. Despite the perilous conditions, other canoes rushed to the aid of their comrades, successfully rescuing all occupants from the water. Slusser expressed his belief that he had been swimming for miles, battling the elements, before being picked up by the courageous fishermen of Quilty.
Dr Prme, the consular agent at Limerick, also commended the gallant conduct of the Quilty fishermen. He shared that he had received a telegram from the Consul-General in Dublin, requesting him to convey the gratitude of the French Government for the bravery and kindness shown to the shipwrecked crew. The captain and men who were rescued from the Leon XIII, aboard H.M.S. Arrogant, had reached Queenstown, with the captain undergoing surgical treatment for his injured leg.
The rescue mission off the coast of Limerick stands as a testament to the resilience and bravery displayed not only by the survivors but also by the Quilty fishermen, who risked their lives to save others. The international recognition, as conveyed by the French Government’s appreciation, underscores the significance of such acts of bravery in the face of adversity.
In another part of the world, an equally thrilling and heroic rescue unfolded off the shores of Great Yarmouth. The vessel Twilight, amid a fierce gale and pounding rain, witnessed a number of boats rushing to aid a fishing vessel stranded on the treacherous Bergh Roads. The crew of the Twilight, along with others from Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, worked tirelessly for two hours to evacuate the imperiled crew. Just minutes after the successful rescue operation, the Twilight itself succumbed to the unforgiving sea, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by those who answer the call of duty.
As the rescued sailors from the Leon XIII continue their journey to Cork, the global community is reminded of the bravery, compassion, and solidarity that transcend borders. The narratives of the Quilty fishermen and the Twilight crew stand as powerful reminders of the human spirit’s capacity to triumph over adversity, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances. These tales of daring rescues will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of maritime history, celebrating the indomitable human will and the bonds that unite us in times of crisis.
London Evening Standard – Monday 07 October 1907
