CAPSIZE OF NAVAL WHALEBOAT

Southland Times, Issue 23443, 25 February 1938, Page 5

CAPSIZE OF NAVAL WHALEBOAT

OFFICER DISSATISFIED WITH LIFEBELTS (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 24. Dissatisfaction with the lifebelts provided in a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve whaleboat was expressed by a lieutenant at the inquest into the death of James Wood Jarvis, aged 17, who was drowned on November 7. It was stated that the type of life-saving gear provided was very unpopular with members, as it was liable to be caught in the ropes and ship’s gear in the event of a capsize. Evidence was given that this happened in this case. The coroner (Mr J. Gilbertson) found that Jarvis was accidently drowned on November 7 by the capsize of a naval whaleboat in Wellington harbour, he being at the time a member of the crew. Jarvis was an apprentice at the Hutt railway workshops.

It was stated that the boat went to Somes Island under Lieutenant Phipps and capsized in rough weather on the way back. Jarvis’s lifebelt caught in the rigging and he was held under water for some time. He was brought to the surface in a very weak condition and was supported, but later disappeared and was not seen again. The rest of the crew had a very trying experience in the heavy sea, clinging to the boat two and a-half hours before rescued by a launch.