Inquest:— Yesterday (14August 1824, Quebec, Canada)
morning about seven o'clock, Henry Gibson, second mate of the
bark Arethusa, which arrived lately with stores for
Government, was unfortunately drowned between the vessel and the King's
Wharf. The bark lies about forty feet distance from the wharf, and the
crew were employed in beginning to construct a slope from the vessel to
the wharf, for the purpose of landing the cargo.— The slope is formed by
laying two spars from the bark to the wharf, upon which planks are
placed cross-ways, forming a broad and very safe passage from the one to
the other. At the time of the accident, one spar only had been placed,
upon which the deceased, with another man, of the name James Douglas,
attempted to pass from the vessel to the wharf ; when they advanced
about half-way, the spar which was unsteady, partly turned with them,
and precipitated both into the river.— Three or four boats were manned
in a moment, and went to their assistance ; they succeeded in saving
James Douglas, but the Mate had sunk ere they could not reach him. The
body was found about three hours after. The deceased was a native of
North Shields, about thirty years of age, and a man of excellent
character. The verdict was "accidentally drowned." We are informed that
Douglas who was fortunately saved is also a man much respected
by his Captain, who proposes appointing him to second mate in the place
of his unfortunate companion. —Ib
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