LYTTELTON FATALITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 October 1939, Page 6

LYTTELTON FATALITY

LAUNCH DOLPHIN SALVAGED BODY OF MR F. J. BRASELL RECOVERED. COURSE OF SHELL TRACED. - (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. October 14. The body of Mr Frederick James Brasell, who lost his life when the fishing launch Dolphin was struck by a shot from the shore battery in Lyttelton harbour on Thursday, was re-, covered last night after the Dolphin had been raised by the harbour board’s pile-driving pontoon. The inquest was opened this morning before Mr F. F. Reid, and was adjourned after evidence of identification had been given. The coroner ordered a post-mortem examination to be made. The successful raising of the big launch was the culmination of many hours of patient work / under trying conditions by a band of volunteer helpers, consisting of fishermen and shipwright workers. Wire hawsers were taken from the Dolphin to the pontoon’s winch, and the launch was raised to the surface, after which the tug Lyttelton II towed the pontoon and the launch to the inner harbour. Examination of the launch showed that the shot had entered on the starboard side below the waterline near the bow and had been deflected upward probably by striking the engine. It passed out on the port side above the waterline after passing through the wheelhouse.