FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE PORT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 59, 9 March 1878, Page 2

FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE PORT.

At fatal accident occurred at the Albion Wharf last evening, whereby a seaman named Patrick Flynn, belonging to the barque Woodbine, lost his life. It appears, from information furnished *■) us by the captain of the Woodbine that deceased had been drinking at the Albion Hotel together with some sailors belonging to the Celestial Queen. The steward of the Woodbine and another sailor passed the Albion Hotel on their way to the vessel shortly before eleven o'clock, and seeing the condition the deceased was in through liquor tried to induce him to come on board, but without avail. They then left him, and went on board, but the Bailor feeling alarmed for the safety of his shipmate, proceeded to the Albion Hotel, and having got hold of him by the arm led him as far as the office on the Albion wharf, when the deceased suddenly broke away from his companion, saying that he would go back and have another drink. He then made a swerve on one side and fell over Into the sea. Hig companion immediately jumped into the ship's boat, cut the painter adrift, and proceeded in search of his comrade, but having failed to discover him, he returned to the ship, and informed Captain M'Laren of the fact. The captain immediately ordered a riding light to be got out, and went in the boat to look for the missing man. Th« boat had not gone far befor* Captain M'Laren espied something floating ia the water, and on getting closer it proved to be the deceased. He was quickly taken on board, and everything was done to restore him, but without avail, and on Dr. Squires, who was »ent for immediately after getting the man on boarJ, arriving, he pronounced life to be extinct. An inquest was held thii afternoon before Dr Squires, the coroner, and a jury. A verdict was returned to the effect that deceased was accidentally drowned when going 1 on board in a state of intoxication, and the following rider was added:—" We hereby recommend that all wharves shall be provided with good aud efficient lights, and that all vessels lying alongside shall have gangway lights (either passenger vessels or otherwise), and alao that proper protection be made to the back entrance of the Albion Hotel."