BOATING FATALITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 493, 4 August 1902, Page 2

BOATING FATALITY.

A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Brisbane, July 18. The survivor of the boating accident off Peel Island, James Bell, aged 24, stated in the course of an interview last night that he owned the Commotion, which is an 18-footer with nine feet six inch beam. Ho, in company with Thomas Mitchell and James Smith, all being temporarily out of employment, left yesterday morning on a fishing excursion down the bay. A stiff south-easter was met after leaving the boat passage at King Island. A couple of reefs were taken in, but tho crew was too light, considering the size of tho boat, which was only partly decked. After reefing tho sails they seemed to get on all right until approaching Peel Island, which lies between Cleveland and Stradbroke Island. Here high seas were met, and the boat shipped large quantities of water. As things were looking uncomfortable, it was decided to square her off before the wind and run for the lee end of Peel Island. The boat was then half full of water. As she came up to the wind the water rushed to one side and carried her over on her side, throwing the crew into the sea. This occurred about three-

quarters of a mile from Peel Island, The capsized party scrambled on to the boat. Bell, although a somewhat indifferent swimmer,, considers that both his companions were good swimmers. Smith, however- seemed to be downhearted from the time the boat went over. One of his first remarks was “ We’re done for.” Owing to the cold wind dashing the sea over the party the men decided to swim for the island. After doing about fifty yards Smith gave up and called out 11 It's no j use ; I’m done.” Bell called Mitchell to help him to give Smith a hand, but Mitchell apparently did not hear. Bell swam back and got hold of Smith, who seemed exhausted fro;n the cold, but lacking confidence in his own powers as a swimmer he advised Smith to get back to the boat, which was only about fifty yards away, while he tried to get ashore. After Bell had swum another fifty yards he looked back and saw Smith stiil facing towards the shore. A little white after he lost sight of both his companions. He got ashore when darkness had properly set in. He cut his legs and feet badly on the rocks. After partially recovering from exhaustion he made his way to the house of the caretaker of the quarantine station, where all that was possible was done for him.

Tho two men who were drowned were both about the same age as Bell. Both were single. It is understood that Mitohell was the support of his mother.