Article
5-1-02 / July 21, 1912
Explosion on Pilot Boat
Capt. Bartram Adkins Seriously Burned When Frances
Elizabeth
Was
Destroyed-Capt. J.O. Daniels Hurt
The Morning Star (Wilmington)
23 July 1912
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 Capt. Bertram Adkins, son of Capt. J. J. Adkins, of Southport, was
horribly, probably fatally, burned Sunday afternoon, when gasoline
leaking from the tank of the pilot boat Frances Elizabeth, bound
from Southport to Wilmington, caused an explosion of the engine and
tank about two miles this side of Southport, setting fire to the
craft, which was consumed by flames. Capt. J. O. Daniels, who was
in command of the boat, was standing on the cabin and he is said
to have been blown 20 feet in the air and in falling again to the
boat, hurt his back, but not seriously, being able to be out yesterday.
Capt. Daniels fell or jumped overboard after his enforced journey
through the air. Capt. Adkins, though fearfully burned and suffering
great agony, managed to launch the little life boat carried on the
Frances and soon had Capt. Daniels in the craft with him. They returned
to Southport, where they received medical attention.
The Frances Elizabeth had been lying up at her wharf at Southport
for some time and Sunday and was being brought to Wilmington to be
placed on the marine railway. She sailed from Southport and when
about two miles away Capt. Adkins went to the engine room to start
the gasoline engine. The gasoline was leaking and before steps could
be taken to remedy the condition the gasoline caught fire, resulting
in the explosion.
The boat was valued at about $7,000. She was owned by Captains J.O.
Daniels, Hawley, and Jack Adkins. The engine in the craft was 100
horsepower Globe and said to have cost $5,000.
Mr. J.H. Stone, of Wilmington, was at Southport, and although the
unfortunate launch was two miles away he could plainly see the fire
which destroyed her. Information received yesterday was to the effect
that while Capt. Adkins was seriously burned he had a chance to recover.
He was brought up to the city and taken to the hospital.
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