SHIP OFFICER'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 290, 4 December 1920, Page 7

SHIP OFFICER'S DEATH.

WHILE ASSISTING BATHER,

An! inquiry was held by Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., into the circumstances connected with the death of Frederick Beach, aged 59 years. Mr. Meredith watched proceedings on behalf of the Northern Steamship Company. On Thursday morning deceased attempted to rescue a woman who was bathing near the wharf at Pukenui, Houhora. Deceased was the second mate on the Claymore. Mrs. Gibb, a passenger, stated that she went along the beach for a swim in the early morning, and when a few yards from the water's edge, slipped over a ledge. Mr.-Beach, who was near by, walked into the water to her assistance. When close to her he struggled for a moment, and seemed to collapse. She supported him until a man came in a boat to their assistance.

In answer to Mr. Meredith, witness said deceased made no attempt to swim, and seemed to collapse immediately after he spoke to her. Witness was within her depth wben supporting deceased.

Further evidence was given by a member of the crew that deceased was not in the water more than three minutes, and witness did not think he was submerged.

Mr. Poynton said, as there seemed to be a doubt as to tbe actual cause of death, he would adjourn the inquest until next Friday, for the purpose of having a post mortem examination made. Deceased was a married man with one child.