THE DROWNING ACCIDENT AT THE THAMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6810, 14 September 1883, Page 5

THE DROWNING ACCIDENT AT THE THAMES.

At the inquest on the body of the man Harris, who was drOwnefl at the Thames a short time ago, while proceeding in the pilot-boat to the Sea Bird to put the pilot aboard, Richard Wren ; .. labourer, deposed that be also had been one of the crew of the pilot's boat in boarding tho Sea Bird. They reached the vessel about V>n minutes to four, and a rope was thrown them, and caught by Phipps. He was ordered to take a turn aronnd the thwart, but was unable to do so. Harris stepped forward, and caught the rope behind PMpps, Witness followed, and also, caught it, and Captain Bayldon pulled in the steering oar and caught the rope behind witness. While thoy held it the boat came to her beam-ends, and threatened to capsize. Witnees said, "She's, going;" whereupon' Captain Bayldon ordered them to let which all did exeppt Harris, who was consequently dragged over Phipp'ii hips. He was in no way entangled in the rope. After he was dragged over, the boat, sheered about five yards from him. While ntill holding the rope deceased twisted around three or four times. Captain Bayldon called out, " Hold on, Harris, old man, and we'll get you ;" bat deceased then appeared to let go the rope. After his letting ep> the bosit was turned around to go after him, and they just reached him as he was sinking for the last time. Phipps grasped at him, but he went down almost under the boat. They remained about the Spot for some mi'lutes, but saw no more of him. Neither witness nor his companions could swim. Thought Harris, must have been dragged through the water between 1.00, 150; or 200 yards. He made an attempt to speak, but nothing could be understood. Captaiu Smith, of the Sea Bird, deposed that his vessel was going at the rate of five knots an hour when the boat reached it. Wouldiave hove to had he been requested by the pilot. He considered there was no risk in borjrding the vessel while going at that rale, The jury, as we stated yesterday, returned a verdiet of " Accidental Death."