Saturday Spotting - Skeleton's Diary of Suffering

Published October 1900 in the Pawtucket Times out of  Pawtucket, RI

STARVED ON A BARREN ISLAND

Skeleton of a Sailor Found Near the 

Bering Sea – Diary Contained Story 

of His Sufferings.

San Francisco, Oct. 31 – On Unimak Island, which guards on of the entrances to the Bering sea, a rude mound of rocks marks the last resting place of Charles W. Anderson sailor, fisherman and hunter. Anderson starved to death on the bleak and barren island waiting for friends who deserted him. He died on June 13, 1899, hand his skeleton in his bunk and his diary beside it were found by two hunters who were driven on the island during a storm. The diary was addressed to Andrew Goswold of Unga, who arrived here a few days ago with his friend’s last writings.

Several vessels passed by his island prison, the pathetic record reads, but none saw Anderson’s flag of distress. Once a vessel was becalmed close to the shore, and he tried to reach it, but he had not the strength to launch his little boat. His legs had failed him and he could only pull himself along by his elbows. He deliberated on shooting his dog, but he could not get up courage to slay his faithful friend. Finally the dog disappeared.

The diary records the terrible sufferings of Anderson from thirst and his expeditions after fresh water. The last entry says:

“June 19 – Now I must go for water again. I am more afraid this time than before, but with God’s help I may come back again. I would not like to dig outside but God’s will be done.” He had his wish, for he returned and died in his bunk.