PROCEDURE: Those in the stern part of the ship stood a better chance as it was still well above water. Efforts were made to lower the many boats carried. The vessel began to break up; in its collapse the funnel killed the men working at the paddle-box boat. The ship was driven by two massive paddle wheels on either side and the two biggest lifeboats were secured, upside down, on top of each paddle box. These had to be lifted up by crane before turning over for launching. The men hauled with all their might and the rope snapped into two pieces. The other paddle box boat fared no better, most of the lowering equipment would not function, as a result of a lack of maintenance and the thick layer of paint that clogged the mechanisms. [BACKGROUND] [HER LAST VOYAGE] [FATAL BLOW] [HUMAN ERROR] [PROCEDURE] [WOMEN & CHILDREN] [ORDER & DISCIPLINE] [SHARK ATTACK] [RESCUE]