note: transcription publicly contributed - please contact us with comments, errors or omisions

PERSONAL TESTIMONY of Eye-witnesses of Explosion, Collision and Fire. Taken in Tuft's Cover and North Dartmouth, December 19, 1917.

Ferry captain.

Nine o'clock with possibly 300 passengers. First a slight jar, with accompanying crash of glass. Thought it was an Admiralty torpedo, gone astray. No large wave, but boat rocked and trembled for several minutes. Debris of exploded ship showered in water. Many passengers cut by broken glass.

Mrs. Lovett, Tuft's Cove.

Has broken jaw. She was visiting a neighbour, who called her to window to watch enormous cloud of black smoke. Thought it was a blast, which were common in the vicinity. The house fell upon her as explosion came. Husband killed in Halifax.

Mrs. Shrum, Tuft's Cove.

Saw collision off the Brewery, but not explosion.

Unknown Man. (Plumber's assistant, would not give name.)
Says he saw a big puff of smoke with flame going up through centre.

Mr. Holman, Dawson St.,

Loading sand in Williams' Yard. Was looking North. White smoke, then black, and rain of projectiles. He was knocked down by explosion. Began to run, but decided he might as well die where he stood. Unhurt.