THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT AT NELSON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 35, 23 September 1871, Page 3

THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT AT NELSON.

The “ Colonist” of the 15th gives the following particulars of the accident by which three lives were lost on the Nelson Boulder Bank. A boat belonging to Mr Arthur Elmslie, of the French Pass, left there at half-past six yesterday morning, bound for Nelson with passengers and cargo. The passengers were Mr Watson, Mr and Mrs Stephen Leaver and infant child, and Miss Caroline Reynolds, the latter being a niece of Mr Elmslie, who was returning home after a three weeks’ stay with her uncle. The boat was in charge of Mr Wm. Webber, who was assisted by Mr Hamilton. The boat arrived at the Lighthouse about a quarter past seven in the evening. Mr Webber determined, against the wishes of the passer® gers and his assistant, to take the passage across the Boulder Bank. The tide was at flood, and there was insufficient water, consequently the boat grounded. The four men got out and attempted to drag her through, but she got broadside-on to the rollers, her lee-gunwale being under water. Another roller turned her weatherside up. Immediately afterwards the passengers were struggling in the sea. She then drifted into deep water, Mr Hamilton being the only one able to retain liis hold of her. Mr Watson and Mrs Leaver also managed to reach the boat. Messrs Watson and Hamilton placed themselves at the end of the boat, and contrived to keep her keel upwards, Mrs Leaver clinging to the centre, by the keel; and while in this position her infant was brought within her reach by the tide, when she grasped it, but it is believed that it was then dead. At that time, Mr Leaver drifted past them, apparently supported by an oar. Their continuous cries for help at length attracted the attention of Mr Kidson, the Lighthouse-keeper, who pulled his boat to the spot, and succeeded in rescuing all that remained of the party, Mr Webber and Miss Reynolds having disappeared from amongst them, neither having been seen after the boat capsized. Mr Leaver, when picked up by the boat, was in a very exhausted condition, The survivors were conveyed to the Ship Hotel, where every assistance was afforded, and Drs Vickerman and Farrelle were quickly in attendance, as well as Dr P. Haynes, of H.M.S * Basilisk, who kindly offered his services. The pilot-boat’s crew immediately proceeded to the scene of the disaster, and made every effort to discover traces of the missing persons, but without success.