Saturday, 20 April 2024

William Walters, (1835-29/5/1861). "all his ribs were broken"


Coroners’ Inquest. — On Tuesday the 30th inst., an inquest was held on board of H.M.S. “Pelorus,” on view of the body of William Walters, one of the crew, who on the proceeding day was so unfortunate as to fall from the foretop to the deck, a height of about 100 feet, and was killed on the spot. Deceased had been sent aloft to adjust some part of the rigging which was foul, and inadvertently rested his weight on what seamen call “Jacob’s ladder,” the top of which was not made fast. His fall was broken by his striking against various ropes in his descent, but on examination by Dr. Bowden, the surgeon of the ship who saw him immediately, it was found that nearly all his ribs were broken, and the lungs, liver, and spleen lacerated. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Deceased was 26 years of age and an able seaman. He was perfectly sober at the time of the accident.  -New Zealander, 1/6/1861.


Symonds Street Cemetery, Auckland

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