SHIPPING ACCIDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1680, 7 July 1875, Page 2

SHIPPING ACCIDENT.

A MAN BURIED IN BALLAST.

A pangerotts accident occurred on board the brig Sea Spray about five o'clock yesteiday afternoon. The sufferer was Mr. Robert Cameron, the owner of the vessel, who also officiates on board in the capacity of boatswain. Mr. Cameron during the afternoon was engaged in the after part of the hold of the brig superintending the stowage of some timber which was being sent down for shin^ ment. Having occasion to ask some questions of the captain on deck, Mr Cameron went for'ard as far as the main hatchway and was on the point of calling out to the men above, when a quantity of scoria ballast was shot into the hold. One of the stones, not a small one, struck the unfortunate man full on the right temple and without uttering a cry he fell senseless. It being dusk at the time, the accident was not witnessed either from above, or by the men who were working with the injured man below. A few minutes later one of these latter missed Mr. Cameron and turned to see where he had gone. !Not seeing him, the man went under the main hatchway, and in the imperfect light- made out the outlines of a man's face sticking out of the heap of ballast just sent down. A near examination revealed the terrible fact that Mr. Cameron had been half buried by the scoria boulders of ballast and was to all appearances killed. Assistance being at once called, the sufferer, who was found to be breathing, was extricated from his unpleasant situation, and after some trouble restored to consciousness. He managed to climb up the ladder on to the deck and descended into the cabin, but when questioned afterwards was utterly unable to recollect anything that had occurred. Dr. Lee was called in and. found two extensive wounri3 on the head, one on each temple, there were also other bruises but no lacerations about the body and limbs. There, was no fracture of the skull, which is rather surprising considering the weight of the stones and speaks volumes for the strength of Mr. Cameron's cranium. Dr. Lee considers that there is no danger if the patient remains quiet, a condition which thia morning we hear he was decidedly averse to accepting, having persisted in getting up and washing himself. During the day no symptoms of concussion have appeared, and it is hoped therefore that all chance of collapse has passed.