DIVING ACCIDENT AT ROSS

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1107, 16 September 1873, Page 2

DIVING ACCIDENT AT ROSS

The sensational incident of Watson, the daring diver, coming near to his death sixty feet down in the dark waters of a mining shaft is thus described by the Ross Guardian. It appears that about nine o'clock in the morning, Mr Watson went down the shaft, and after working away for about half an hour the air-pipe burst, with a loud report, at the top of the shaft. Mr Malfroy, who was standing by at the time, immediately ordered the diver to be pulled up at once, and although only about one minute elapsed from the time the pipe burst till the diver was hoisted to the surface of the water and the plate in front of the helmet unscrewed, he showed every sign of suffocation. The rush of blood to the head was so great, and his neck was swelled to such an extent, that it was with difficulty the helmet was removed ; while his face was as black as ink, and he was perfectly blind. He soon slightly recovered ; and as a proof of what nerve he must be possessed of, whenever he could speak, he gave orders to Mr Malfroy to clear away the pipes from the shaft and get ready for to morrow, expecting to be thoroughly recovered by that time. He was assisted to the London Tavern, where he is residing, and Dr James was immediately called in, but the swelling in the neck, caused by the congealed blood, not going down, it was decided to telegraph to Hokitika for Dr Maunsell, who arrived about 5 o'clock. He immediately applied leeches, and we are happy to say Mr Watson was last night gradually getting convalescent. The pipe that burst was a new piece put on by Mr Watson yesterday morning for safety. He was about (30ft from the surface of the water when the accident occurred. It may be truly said of Mr Watson that he carries his life in his hand when under water, as this is the fourteenth time that a similar accident has occurred. After such a narrow escape from suffocation, many men would be deterred from risk-

ing their lives again ; but Mr Watson has no such fear. His only anxiety being to get well iind commence the work again. The drawing of the pipes was going on very satisfactorily, and all of then extending to the depth Mr Watson has contracted to go are in a fair was of being recovered.