Rescue of the SS Danmark

On this its last voyage, it carried 59 crew members and 665 passengers from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway who were on board for emigration to America.

Most of the passengers became ill. By April 5, 1889, the Danmark was in terrible trouble and sinking, having survived high winds but with a severely damaged hull from a hole caused by her propeller shaft when it snapped.

The Missouri was one of four freighters built for the Atlantic Transport Line to carry cargo, cattle, and goods between London, Swansea, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

Because of the bad weather and his inability to accommodate the passengers, Captain Murrell decided not to risk the open sea transfer and instead offered to tow the Danmark to St. John.

It took several hours to attach the tow lines because of the strong winds and heavy seas, but eventually the process was completed.

The Danmark was told that the Missouri using its two life boats would begin the transfer of passengers and crew because the sea conditions would only allow the best of sailors to keep the lifeboats from crashing into the two ships.

A depeche from Queenstown (Ireland) states that the steamer "City of Chester", that has arrived from New York, on 8 April on pos.

On the afternoon the same day Reuter's Bureau reported that "Danmark" was seen without any of its life boats and with the anchor chains hanging down.

The crew of the Missouri had worked for twelve hours without food or rest, and they freely gave up all their quarters to the passengers.

After consultation with the Danish consul and the British governor, it was agreed that 370 single men could be put ashore at St. Michaels until they could be transported to the United States.

Captain Murrell's employer ratified his promises to his crew for the extra wages and held him harmless for the loss and destruction of the Missouri's cargo.