Lives of the First World War

known 17th April 1916

Naval Officer's Death - Whilst leaving a steamer to return to a tug, Lieut-Commander Frederick Black Mackay R.N.R. aged 45 slipped from the ship's ladder and fell into the sea. The accident which occurred on Monday evening proved fatal, and an inquest was conducted at the Town Hall Ramsgate on Tuesday evening by Dr. Hardman (Borough Coroner). Lieut. E. R. Priestley, R.N.R. the only witness, said the the deceased was a Lieutenant - Commander in the Naval Reserve. Witness said that the accident happened at around 8 o'clock on Monday evening. Deceased was leaving a steamer to go on-board the tug 'Carcas' and in doing so he had to go on a ladder attached to the ship's side. Deceased slipped and fell between the tug and the ship. Witness said he was not certain whether deceased struck anything or not, as he made no movement after he fell into the water. Witness said deceased was not in the water more than five minutes. After being taken on board the tug artificial respiration was applied, and at one time witness was told that slight breathing was observed, but witness was not certain. On reaching the Harbour the doctor pronounced him dead. The Coroner remarked that there was only one witness in the case, but the witness was an officer and a responsible gentleman from the tug and he had no doubt that the jury would accept his statement. It did not appear whether the deceased officer could swim, but as it was circumstance worthy of remark that after falling into the water deceased made no effort to save himself. And whether he could swim or not, they would naturally have expected some effort on the part of the drowning man. So far as the evidence went it appeared that in the course of the fall he struck something and injured himself, which prevented him from making any efforts for his own safety. The jury returned a verdict of death from injuries received in falling and drowning. Ramsgate Royal Harbour Ramsgate Historical Society

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