CAPTAIN WEBB'S FATAL SWIM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1150, 20 September 1883, Page 3

CAPTAIN WEBB'S FATAL SWIM.

The remains of the brave but untorturiate swimmer, Captain Webb, were found floating in Niagara river, a short distance below Lewiston on July 28th. When found the body was lying in the position assumed by Webb while swimming. The remains were somewhat decomposed. During the examination at the inquest a ragged cut was discovered on the head three inches in length, and opened sufficiently to expose the skull. It had the appearance of having been cut by a rock or some such substance. This wound w«s considered sufficient in itself to have caused death, and it is thought he' sank immediately after receiving it. His left "shoulder and both eyes were badly bruised and discolored. His face also was bruised in places, but retained a somewhat placid expression, Although a verdict of ' Drowned' was rendered by the jury, the opinion was general that Webb had been literally crushed to death by the tremendous power of the whirlpool. A movement was started in London on August 2nd to erect a memorial to the unfortunate swimmer and at the same time to raise a fund for his widow and family, who reside in Boston, Massachusetts. Captain Webb's widow came to Niagara to receive her husband's body. She was taken to the fatal whirlpool where he met his death, and is reported to have made light of the difficulties undertaken. ' Poor Mat,' she said, ' must have struck a rock in diving, or else he would have been all right. Why, I could swim that myself.' Murphy of Preston, a butcher, who had often challenged Webb, and who always contended Webb would never suceed in breasting the Niagara whirlpool, has also met with death similar to thnt which overtook the Captain. Murphy, on more than one occasion, challenged Webb to breast with him terrible whirlpool. Murphy undertook to swim this pool on the very day the Captain attempted his Niagara feat. Both were drowned in the same way on the same day.