ACCIDENTALLY DROWNED

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 46, 18 November 1926, Page 7

ACCIDENTALLY DROWNED

CORONER COMMENDS BRAVE ACTION.

Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M. (Coroner) conducted an inquest in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, into the death of Thomas Tracey (aged 68), who fell ott the wharf at No. 16 berth, near Jervois Quay, . and was ' drowned on Sunday afternoon. Michael Patrick O’Hara, a seaman, said that he had seen deceased sitting on a wharf stringer. As Tracey was dozing at the time witness warned him to be careful in case he fell in. while asleep. Deceased said, “All right, mate,” and witness left him. Later witness saw the old man fall backwards into the water. ' William Kingston, a seaman, stated that about 3.45 p.m. he saw- a man floating face downwards in the harbour, near the stern of the Ktirow. Witness jumped in, turned deceased on his back with his face out of the water. At that time Tracev seemed to be breathing. A boat was put out, and although artificial respiration was rendered while deceased was being taken ashore, he did not revive. In returning a verdict of accidenta death by drowning, the Coroner said that Kingston’s action was to be commended, He had acted promptly, and had done his best to save 1 raccy s life.