Boat Accident at Invercargill.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5023, 17 February 1885, Page 2

Boat Accident at Invercargill.

THKEE LIVES LOST.

(Pee Pbess Association). Invebcabgill, Sunday, A distressing boat accident occurred yesterday afternoon in Invercargill har. bour, by which three lives were lost. A pleasure boat was on the homeward run up the harbour when it capsized, and Tom F. Eowlands, George Donne, and his sister Mary, a girl of 13, were drowned. Peter Oilkersqn (of Fleming and Gilkerson, millers, and owners of the boat), was saved by clinging to the mast,and Margaret Donne was picked up, supported by an oar. Rowlands was a young married man, much respected. He leaves a young widow and two children. Donne was 20 years of age, and was a clerk in the Colonial Bank, to which he had lately been transferred from Gore. He also was. a youth of great promise and exemplary character. His father is at present on a visit to Scotland. None of the men were expert in handling the boat. The boat turned over within a few dozen yards of a sundbank, which they failed to reach, although fat* swimmers. To-day a large fleet of boats was out from daybreaksearching, without success, for the bodies. The occurrence has created a painful sensation in the town, and wai referred to in the churches to-day. It is reported that Miss Donne, who is saved, is in a precarious state.