Melancholy Drowning Accident In The Harbour

"A very sad case of drowning occured in Princess Royal Harbour yesterday when a boy eleven years of age, son of Captain Ogg of the Orient lighter Camilla, lost his life. From what we learn, the unfortunate boy was sent by his father for some nails about four o'clock in the afternoon in a boat from the lighter to the launch Escort which was lying alongside the schooner Vagabond at the Land Company's jetty.

After getting a supply of copper nails, the boy left on his return journey. He was standing on one the thwarts sculling, and when within about fifty yards of the lighter, the scull shifted out of its place with the result that young Ogg fell over the side of the boat into the water. As he fell he cried out and his cries were heard by his father and those on the jetty and also Captain Butcher, who was walking on his verandah. Immediately after hearing the cries of his boy, Captain Ogg without a moment's hesitation lowered himself down, clothes and all, from the lighter and went to the rescue of the drowning boy, but in spite of all efforts, he failed to reach his son, who sank for the last time a few yards away.

The saddest part of the painful accident was the fact that both the father and mother witnessed the melancholy drowning of their son - the mother from the lighter and the father from within a few yards of where his son sank in final death struggle.

As soon as Captain Butcher heard the screams of the drowning boy he quickly hurried to the Pilot Jetty and sculled to the spot, but he was too late to render any assistance. He then went ashore and sent his men afloat to search for the body. A boat from Vagabond also went, and both boats made a careful search for the body, until darkness put a stop to the work.

Early this morning a further search was made but without avail. After ten o'clock the search was renewed by two boats sweeping over a circle with long lines and grappling hooks attached.

In connection with this melancholy drowning a strange premonition happened to the boy's mother who dreamed on Monday evening that her boy was drowned, and thinking over the dream the next morning, she told her boy to be careful about going into the boat.

The greatest sympathy has been expressed for the bereaved parents in the sad loss sustained by them. The boy was, we believe, unable to swim, although he was used to the water. For so young a boy he was very sharp and quick. He occasionally worked the donkey engine on the lighter and also took part in tallying cargo and was, of course, of great assistance to his parents who lived on board the Camilla.

The body was found shortly before 11 o'clock this morning by the father who saw it through the peep glasses. It was found close to the spot where it finally sank. It was brought up by the grappling irons and was taken to the hospital."

© 2003 Bruce L. Pollock, all rights reserved.
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