Wireless brings aid to crew of burning steamer

Set for the timely assistance given by the Pere Marquette steamer No.19, whose sister ship No, 18 sank in mid lake last month with two score on board, the crew of the Frank L. Vance of Cleveland (?), a coal steamer with 2,800 tons of soft coal on board, might have vanished when fire broke out in the cargo at about 8;30 a.m. Tuesday Word of the near disaster reached the local wireless station at the Pabst brewery Monday forenoon from the No.19.

The Vance had left Ludington at 5 a.m. for Milwaukee, and was sighted a few hours later by the Pere Marquette boat flying a distress. Dense black smoke was pouring from the hold of the vessel.

When word was received here, the Maggie Marshall was alongside, pouring streams of water into the burning cargo. The crew of the Vance had been transferred to the Marshall. The Pere Marquette after the rescue, proceeded on its way to Ludington.3. The fire was reported beyond control but the Marshall remained by the burning boat. According to the latest word received here, at the United Wireless station, it was believed that the Vance could not be saved and that the boat would sink with its lumber cargo.

The Vance was owned by the Milwaukee steamship Co., was 257 feet long with 39 feet beam and is registered as of 1952 gross tonnage, 258 feet long 48 feet beam and drawing 23 feet. Her owner is Capt. L.A Rand, Chicago.