John D. T. McAllister’s Deliverance from the Sinking Steamship United Kingdom

While traveling from New York to Liverpool via Glasgow on the steamship United Kingdom, the ship developed a severe leak due to a burst feed-pipe, causing the engine room to fill with water. The ship was in a critical condition for several days, requiring continuous baling and emergency repairs by the crew while enduring a hurricane-force storm. John D. T. McAllister exercised faith, prayed for protection, and bore his testimony to fellow passengers and the crew during the crisis. The ship eventually reached Greenock safely.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

I went below, passed through the saloon (where the ladies were very much frightened,) to my state-room, where I prayed to the Lord for his protection, and that I might be a blessing to the people on board. I left my room, gave the ladies a cheering word, and was accosted by the Rev. Mr. Miller with the following :—‘Mr. McAllister, what comfort and consolation does Mormonism give you in times like these?’ Said I to him, ‘All in the world.’ I then bore my testimony to him of the truth of the work, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. The ship was leaking badly, and the water was gaining on the pumps. I felt impressed to go to the captain and tell him that the ship would not sink. I did so, and he seemed to be comforted. I then went to the engine-room, where the water was rushing in through a burst feed-pipe. I told the men to be of good cheer, for we would reach port in safety. They worked with a will, and the leak was stopped. We arrived at Greenock in safety, and I felt to thank the Lord for his protecting care over us.