 Finally, Sawyer reported that "Pacific" blew its whistle, presumably as a warning, 30 seconds before the collision, but appeared not to take evasive action even though it had announced its understanding of the immediate danger.There was much sentiment that a glancing blow that did no damage to "Orpheus"' hull should not have sunk a well-found ship, much less cause her to break into pieces.The New York Times was particularly strident, commenting, "The sinking of the steamer "Pacific" by collision with a sailing vessel was a fair example of the worthlessness of some of the hulls now afloat.