Friday, August 01, 2014
Both ships reached the narrow channel at Rayl’s Landing near Warsaw, Kentucky at the same time. America’s pilot sounded his whistle two times as he was about to enter the channel. The pilot of the United States didn’t hear it due to the wind. Again, America’s warning whistle sounded twice. This time, the US pilot heard it, but it was too late.
As they rounded the bend, pilots and passengers alike became well aware that a collision was inevitable. Upon impact, several dozen barrels of fuel burst into flame, spilling out into the water, which became a river of fire. Passengers, thrown from their beds, dashed to the decks, many jumping to their deaths in the blazing inferno.“Ole Bull” remembered his Stradivarius. He was on deck, but his Strad was in his stateroom. He could not be stopped. He fought his way back, retrieved his violin and returned to the deck’s rail, from where, upon seeing a small area of open water, he jumped and was immediately hauled aboard the America, his Strad clutched under his arm.
