DROWNED AT SEA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 6887, 18 May 1883, Page 3

DROWNED AT SEA.

Wanganui, May 3. J. M. Bertram, a passenger by the Hnia from Wellington to Wanganui, fell overboard last night, about 20 minutes to 9, when off Mana Island. He was standing on the bridge, leaning against the rail, when he lost his balance and fell overboard. It was too rough to lower a boat ; but a rope was immediately thrown out, although with no avail. He was a draper at Kalcombe. An inquiry will probably be held to-day. THE INQUIBY. Wanganui, May 3. " The inquiry into the cause of drowning of J. M. Bertram, a passenger by the s s. Huia on the way up from Wellington, by falling overboard when the steamer was off Maca Island, was held to-day before Mr London, Collector of Customs. The evidence showed that deceased, who had been drinking luavily in Wellington, was refused a drink iu the cabin by the second steward. Bertram then went up on to the bridge to interview the chief steward, and whilst leaning against the rail the steamer lurched to port, precipitating deceased overboard. The Huia was going at a rate of 10 knots at the time, and a heavy sea was running. The life-buoy was thrown out at once ; but it was useless to lower a boat, as it could not live in such a sea. Bertram was never seen or heard, though the steamer spent half an hour about the spot searching. The night was very dark, and a southerly gale was blowing. Mr Lundou transmits the evidence of the officers and crew to the Marine Department.