On sailing from its berth at Peter's wharf, Eastport on October 21, the ship had a crew of 21 and 70 passengers, including a number of women and children.

The passenger list was larger than usual as it had the members of a menagerie, Burgess and Dexter's Zoological Institute,[1] managed by a Mr. Fuller.

On hearing this report, the captain ordered the engine stopped and the safety valve opened, the steamer being brought to anchor about 1+1⁄2 miles (2.4 km) from the Fox Islands, in Penobscot Bay.

Captain Reed and two of the crew, lowered the small boat at the stern and got into it, in order to prepare rafts and save as many people as possible.

Sixteen able-bodied men lowered the second and larger boat and rowed away, until they reached Isle au Haut.

Captain Reed stood by with the boat, and as the terrified passengers began to jump overboard, was able to save several lives.

[2] On November 12, a schooner arriving at Portland reported having passed the remains of a burned steamer near Cash's Ledge.

For a number of years it was the custom of the St. John men who survived the disaster to take supper together on the anniversary of the fire.