HC Deb 27 August 1895 vol 36 cc889-90
MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether his attention has been called to the boat accident which occurred a few hundred yards off the shore at Dornoch on the 21st May, whereby two of the crew of Her Majesty's Gunboat Jackal lost their lives; whether he is aware that on the morning of the 21st May the Jackal anchored off the Dornoch Rocks, and that the Captain, Doctor, Paymaster, and First Officer came on shore to play golf, this being the fourth day between 5th and 21st May inclusive they had spent golfing on the Dornoch Links: whether he is aware that the accident took place whilst one of the ship's small boats was on its way to convey the Captain to the Jackal at the close of the day; and, whether any compensation will be paid to the widow and relatives of the men who lost their lives?

* THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. W. E. MACARTNEY,) Antrim, S.

An official report was received from Her Majesty's ship Jackal relative to the capsizing of one of her boats off Dornoch on May 21st last, and the regrettable loss of two lives consequent thereon. The Jackal anchored off the Dornoch Rocks on May 21st, and I believe that some of the officers landed during the afternoon for recreation. The accident took place whilst one of the ship's gigs was on its way to the shore, to convey the Lieutenant commanding the Jackal on board his ship. One of the two men drowned left a widow and one child, and, in accordance with the Queen's regulations and Admiralty instructions, the widow has been granted a pension of 3s. 6d. a week, and an allowance of 1s. 6d. a week for her child. The other man was not married, and appears not to have had any relatives dependent upon him, so that no gratuity has been paid.

* MR. GIBSON BOWLES

asked the cause of the capsizing of the boat.

* MR. MACARTNEY

replied, that it seemed to have been accidental and not due to any negligence. Full inquiry would be made into the circumstances.

* MR. GIBSON BOWLES

asked whether the sheet was fast, and whether the capsizing of sailing boats was not frequently due to making the sheet fast?

* MR. MACARTNEY

said, that in the report that circumstance was not referred to, but if the hon. Member desired it, further inquiries would be made.