FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2363, 8 June 1899, Page 24

FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT.

FOUR MEN DROWNED. WELLINGTON, June 4.

The Marine department has receh r ed a telegram from Captain Bolland, of the Hinemoa, stating that W. Brown (chief mate), M. Buchanan, C. Osterman, and 0. Sjobolom (sailors) were drowned by a boat swamping at East Cape. The second mate, Hardy, and a seaman named Weymark were saved. The boat wa-s endeavouring to effect a landing when the accident happened. There are no further particulars. The steamer has gone on to Auckland. The Premier and Minister for Marine sent messages expressing sympathy and regret. An inquiry will be held at Auckland.

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS.

AUCKLAND, June 4.

The Hinemoa has arrived from East Island, East Cape. She reports the loss by drowning of the first mate and three seamen. She arrived at East Island on Tuesday last with material for the"East Cape lighthouse. The weather was rough, and she did not attempt to land. Un Friday the captain sent a boat to see if it was possible to make a landing on the morrow. The boat was in charge of Brown, the first mate, who was accompanied by Hardy, the second mate, Neil Buchanan, Charles Osterman, Oscar Sjobolom, and Weymark. On the boat getting towards the shore she got in currents, and became almost unmanageable. The first mate called out, " Pull away, boys ; don't look at the seas." A big sea struck the boat and threw Osterman about 30ft out of the boat, and he was never seen again. The next sea threw the boat over, and the second mate and Weymark came up by the helm of ' the boat. When they got their heads above water and the side of the boat they saw Brown swimming strongly towards the island, and Buchanan and Sjobolom on top of the boat. Another tremendous sea swept the whole party away, Hardy, the second mate, and Weymark, a seaman, were washed ashore insensible, and rescued by a party of men ashore. Brown was so near shore that a life buoy could be thrown to him, but he was dead beat, and could not hold it, and was swept away. Buchanan got on a submerged rock, and said "All right," and that he would watch his chance. Immediately a frightful shriek was heard, and it is supposed he was taken by a shark, as he was never seen again.