SS Hungarian - Rescue of The John Martin

Rescue of The John Martin

At 8:00 on November 9, 1859, the Hungarian spotted a vessel in distress in a strong northerly gale and high seas off the edge of the Newfoundland Banks. A crew of 7 men (including the Chief Officer Hardie and 3rd Officer Porter) were lowered into a lifeboat, and headed to the vessel. Upon arriving within shouting range, they were told the ship was the British schooner John Martin, which also carried the rescued crew of another schooner wrecked off Labrador. The sinking John Martin was abandoned by its 43 passengers, including 23 women and children. Chief Officer Hardie was knocked overboard while helping passengers into the Hungarian. He could not swim, but hauled himself aboard via rope, and survived the ordeal.

Hungarian headed for St. John's and arrived on the morning of the November 10. Each member of the Hungarian's crew that had helped in the lifeboat was given a party by the passengers of the trip, and also received a silver cup for their heroic act.