A Ship's Captain Drowned Off the Lizard

West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser, Dec 22, 1887

Transcribed by

Julia Mosman

The Steamship "Benoisson," of Liverpool, 1,130 tons, from Antwerp, bound to Savena?, with iron, arrived in Falmouth bay on Tuesday morning in charge of the mate, Acktenhead [Acktenbead?]. The steamship had been compelled to seek shelter in the bay for two or three days past in consequence of the stormy weather, and early on Tuesday morning, the weather having moderated, Capt. Harnden determined to put to sea. They had only proceeded ten miles off the Lizard Lights, however, when, shortly after five o'clock in the morning, the captain was missing. Just before, whilst standing on the bridge, he had ordered the second steward to bring him a cup of coffee, but when it was taken the captain had disappeared. ÊIt is surmised that, in consequence of the rolling of the steamer in heavy sea, the captain must have fallen overboard, but the crew heard no cry, and it was impossible to make any search owing to the darkness. The mate then put about for Falmouth to report the circumstances, and arrived in the bay again about nine o'clock. The captain was a native of Brixham, and married.