'An inquest was opened on Saturday morning at the Pootung Mortuary, concerning the death of Sidney Frederick Richards, ordinary seaman of H. M. S. 'Talbot, whose body wns found in the river by the' Water Police.
After the jurors had viewed the body, the inquest was adjourned till 2 p.m. to-day, for the appearance of witnesses from LID. S. Talbot, which is lying at Woosung. Shanghai, 19th August.
The inquest concerning the death of Sidney broderick Richards, ordinary seaman of H. M.S. Talbot, whose body was found in the river by the Water Police, was resumed yesterday afternoon at the British Consulate.
Edmund Hayward, member of the River Police force, stated that on Friday night he received " chit from the Central Police Station stating that an ordinary seaman of H. M. S. Talbot had fallen overboard on Thursday morning at five o'clock. He took means to have the body taken to the mortuary and attended to the necessary formalities. The body of the seaman was picked up opposite Woosung Lighthouse, and taken to the station of the Harbour Master, from where it was conveyed to Shanghai in a sampan.
Lieutenant Dalrymple, of 4.M.S, Talbot, spoke as to the good character of the deceased since be joined the service. So far as witness knew the deceased was in good health. He was popular with his own messmates, and no one on board bore him any grudge. It was reported to him on Thursday morning between ten and eleven o'clock that Richards was missing. He had been standing on the netting at the starboard side of the ship, and during the temporary absence of one of the seaman he disappeared. A man in charge of the ship's cutter, about twenty yards away, said that "he had heard no splash. The matter was reported immediately to the Commander and a search was made for the deceased, but without avail. The water was smooth at the time, and it was quite calm, with no wind.
Tu answer to a juror, witness said that Richards, according to the statements of his messmates, could not swim.
Henry Sharpcock, petty officer on board H. M.S. Talbot, stated that he left Richards standing on the netting at half ten o'clock to cross to the other side of the ship. Soon afterwards he was asked if he had seen Richards, and stated when he had last seen him. A'search was made but the man could not be found.
By the Coroner: There was nothing to save him from falling into the water if he was attacked with giddiness, Charles Elward Black, able—seaman on H.MS. Talbot, said that on Thursday moming he and Richards went to black the starboard side of the ship. He went for the paint and was gone about Giveor ten minutes. When he returned Richards had disappeared. Witness inde inquiries anda search round the ship for deceased but without success, Hw then reported that Richards was missing to an officer.
By the Coroner:- When he left him Richards was standing on the netting. There was nothing amiss with him that morning, and he was just as he always was—in good health and spirits.
A verdict was returned by the jury of Accidental Death by Drowning," and they added a rider to the effect that there was no blame attaching to anyone.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.