§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the death at sea from consumption, on 18th March, 1909, of an Asiatic seaman named Kabrual, whilst serving on the steamer "Indrani," of Liverpool; whether the seaman was medically examined before joining; how long he served on the vessel, and whether he had any previous sea service; whether steps were taken to isolate him from the rest of the crew; and whether any other cases of death from this disease have occurred on this vessel?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. H. J. Tennant)The Asiatic seaman referred to in the question was a stowaway who was found on board the "Indrani" on the day she left New York for the Fast. He stated that he had been a storekeeper on board the steamer "Ghazee," but had deserted in order to get back to Singapore. As he had a cold and cough, he was put on light work and given nourishing food, and on arrival at Port Said he was examined by a doctor, who pronounced him to be suffering from consumption, and supplied medicine, but he died before reaching Sahang. He was not isolated from the rest of the crew. He had been six weeks on board the "Indrani," and appears to have had previous sea service. No other death from consumption has occurred on board this vessel during the last three years. The "Indrani" is regularly employed in trading between New York and the East, and has not been in the United Kingdom since the date of the occurrence.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the suicide at sea, on 14th April, 1909, of an Asiatic seaman named Abdool Azis Doomon, whilst serving on the steamer "Umlazi," of London; whether the seaman was medically examined before joining; how long had he served on the vessel; whether he had any previous sea service; and whether any previous cases of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance have occurred on this vessel?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe Asiatic seaman referred to in the question was third cook on board the "Umlazi." He was sent to the pump for a bucket of water, and, being a long time absent, the second cook went to meet him and took the bucket from him, when he immediately jumped overboard. Prompt attempts were made to save him without success. The man had been on board the "Umlazi" 47 days, but I am not aware whether he had had previous sea service. He is believed to have been medically examined before joining. The vessel carried a fully qualified medical staff. Two other cases of supposed suicide in thi3 vessel have been reported during the last three years. The "Umlazi" is regularly employed in trading between India and South Africa, and has not been in the United Kingdom since the dates of these occurrences.