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MG 1 vol.2124 number 134


Creighton, C.E.

On the morning of December sixth I came to Halifax by the Ferry leaving Dartmouth at nine o'clock. As I came on the boat a gentleman called my attention to a fire somewhere north, asking me where it could be. I suggested going on the upper deck where we could have a better view, and we went trying to locate it.
The upper part of the harbor was hazy or smoky, so that we could not tell where the fire came from, all we could see was tongues of flame running up through the smoke, and we then supposed oil must be burning. When about a third of the way across the explosion occurred. I saw a tremendous column of smoke shoot up to a great height and then spread out in light fleecy clouds. Immediately came a report, but not very loud, and I thought what a little sound for so great an explosion, then came a heavy blast and someone called out, "Look out for shrapnel." I was confused by the blast, but soon looked around and saw splashes all over the harbor made by falling material. I also saw that nearly every one on the deck had fallen down, and those near the gangway were bleeding, cut by flying glass. Below in the cabin there was great excitement. Every window had come in, and every passenger was more or less cut, many of them badly, and blood was streaming everywhere. Some had life preservers in their hands, not knowing what to expect next.
As far as I am aware, there was no tidal wave or any unusual commotion in the water where the ferry boat was.

C.E. Creighton