By Isle of Wight Observer
This sad story was published in the Isle of Wight Observer on 25th August, 1888. If only inquests took place so quickly these days…
COWES.
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SAD CASE OF DROWNING.
An inquest was held before Mr. H. R. Hooper, deputy-coroner for the Island, at the Anchor Inn, West Cowes, on Monday evening, on the body of a lad named George Barter, who was drowned whilst bathing near the “Briary,” between Egypt point and Gurnard, on Sunday evening last. The jury were then sworn, and, having chosen Mr. Edwin White as their foreman, proceeded to view the body, which was lying in a store at the rear of the premises.
Arthur Tucker, the first witness called, was then sworn, and stated that he lived at 109, High-street West cowes, and was apprenticed to Mr. Taylor, jeweller. On Sunday, the 19th inst., he went with deceased, George Barter, to bathe near Gurnard, between 7 and 8 o’clock in the evening. Had bathed together before, and knew deceased could swim fairly. Witness swam out, leaving deceased standing up to his waist in the water. Had not gone far when he heard some boys from the shore call out that deceased was drowning. Swam back, but could not see him, and then dived for him, but never saw him again alive.
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When witness came out of the water he notice a coastguardsman standing near the spot, but he made no effort to recover the body.
[…]
George Lambert, the next witness, stated he was a gasfitter, and lived on St. Mary’s-road. Just before 2 o’clock on Monday morning he was on the Gurnard shore looking for the body of deceased, who was a relative of his.
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He walked out only a short distance when he came upon the body of deceased lying in about 3 feet of water.
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Brought the body ashore, and placed it on a stretcher. Carried it to the Union publichouse, where they would not let him in, thence to the Bolton Yacht, where they also refused admittance, and finally they came to Mr. Fellow’s house, where the body was taken in.
[…]
The jury, without retiring, after consultation, were unanimous in their verdict that deceased was “Accidentally drowned while bathing in the Solent.”