SAD BOATING FATALITY. Five Persons Drowned.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 330, 2 January 1889, Page 3

SAD BOATING FATALITY. Five Persons Drowned.

A coroxial iaquiry was held al Melbourne on Monday, 10th inst., into the circum. .stances surrounding the death of Teresa Gordon, Jane Purcell and Mary Ann Beck, the 'victims of a boatine- fatality in Hobeon's Bay on Sunday. Two others, Elizabeth Gordon and Jane Beck, were drowned ■afc fche &arne time, buc their bodies were not recovered. Henry Beck, the sole survivor, ■stated that shortly after leaving Williams>town he feet tho sail, and was holding the sheet in his hand. They were goin<x to the Nelson, bub failed to make her the iir&t attempt and had to tack towards St. Kilda. They were going about, when the four women rose and ran to the other side, capping the boat. They all clung to the bottom of the boat but the child, who floated near at hand. Each time a swell etruck the boat one let go, till he alone was left He was unable to swim. The occupants of the boat were his wife and child, And the two sisters Gordon and their cousin Purcell. A verdict of accidental death was returned. The jury wished to add a rider complimenting the Nelson's crew for their promptitude in going bo the rescue. The coroner declined fco receive the rider, stating that the men • hall only done what humanity prompted, and what any other ■person in the same position would have done* The foreman urged the necessity of a lifeboat/ for such cuse&.