HC Deb 09 February 1877 vol 232 cc127-8
MR. HANBURY-TRACY

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether his attention has been called to an article in the "Army and Navy Gazette" of February 3 entitled "Left to Die," in which the Captain of H.M.S. "Newcastle" is stated not to have taken sufficient steps to rescue the lives of Mr. Wingfield, midshipman, and two able seamen who had gallantly jumped overboard to save a man from drowning; whether he is able to contradict the statement there made— That in one short hour after the man fell overboard, before she had sighted the men or the life-buoy, the boat was recalled, and the ship stood away. That the Commander begged the Captain to 'beat up' to the spot where the men were likely to be still battling for life, but that the Captain declined to do so. That throughout the ship and the squadron there is a most painful impression that either from apathy, want of presence of mind, or absence of resource, these gallant fellows were left to die. And, whether a court of inquiry has been held to investigate into all the circumstances of the case; and, if not, whether, in justice to the Captain and the honour of the Naval Service, he will give directions to hold one forthwith?

MR. HUNT

Sir, I have read the article to which the Question of the hon. Gentleman refers; but I am unable at the present moment either to confirm, or to contradict the facts set forth in it. I am sorry, however, to say that it is correct in the main fact that an unfortunate loss of life occurred on the occasion to which it alludes. I have received the following extract from a Report, dated 18th December, 1876, from the Captain of H.M.S. Newcastle to Rear Admiral Lambert, commanding the Detached Squadron to which his vessel belongs:— At about 2.50 p.m. yesterday (December 13) Mr. Wingfield, midshipman, had hove the log, when William Miles stepped on the lower half of the starboard quarter port for the purpose of snatching the log line, when he slipped and fell overboard, Mr. Wingfield jumping after him. The life buoy was immediately let go, and the ship brought to the wind on the port tack. She was running with single reefed topsails, and both courses, between 8 and 9 knots, with a very nasty, irregular sea. The lifeboat was at once cleared and lowered, and signalmen and look-out men were placed aloft in the mizen top, rigging, and topmast crosstrees to look out, but before the cutter was clear of the ship Myles was observed to throw his arms up, and Mr. Wingfield struggling to support him, when both were lost sight of. In the meantime, Robert Hesk, A.B., and George Reed, A.B., had jumped from the quarter of the ship, and both were observed making for the life buoy, but disappeared before they succeeded in reaching it, and I grieve to say were never again seen on the surface. The lifeboat (first cutter) was ordered to pull on the bearings for the men, but she failed, after some time in looking about, to discover anything of them, when I reluctantly, after an hour's unsuccessful search, ordered the recall to be hoisted. The boat was clear of the ship in about three minutes from the time the alarm was given. Since receiving the Report I have not been able to communicate with the Squadron, which is now under orders for home, so that I am unable to say whether the Admiral has ordered an inquiry into the matter. If he has not done so, I shall certainly cause inquiry to be made, so that the full particulars may be elicited.