1000 Dead in River Boat Fire

A pleasure trip to New York's East River ended in disaster Wednesday as 1000 passengers were either drowned or burned to death. A steamer nicknamed "General Slocum" burst into flames shortly after leaving the docks with the source of the fire still unknown. A young boy alerted the Captain who reportedly told the child to "shut up." The blazes spread through the lower half of the boat uncontrollably before passengers became aware of the danger.

Captain Van Schaik is now being scrutinized for poor judgement in handling the situation. Schaik told reporters that rather than bringing the boat to a nearby dock with firefighters present, he directed the ship to an island for fear of catching the dock on fire too. The ship failed to reach the shore crashing into sea bound rocks instead. There is still no word on whether the docks were worth the price.

A total of 630 bodies have been recovered with 401 missing and presumed dead. The boat crew and officers are being charged with criminal negligence even though it was the Captain who acted like a dunce. Captain Milk Shake will be appearing in court next week to defend his actions.

Jun 17, 1904