Fatal Boat Accident


FATAL BOAT ACCIDENTS.—MR. Edmund Belfour, of Grove-house, Putney, left his residence soon after 7 o'clock on Thursday morning for his usual pull on the river, using a light wager boat. After rowing for a short time, the boat was observed suddenly to capsize. Assistance was immediately at hand, and on turning up the boat the watermen were greatly alarmed at finding it unoccupied. Drags were immediately at hand, and strenuous exertions made to recover the body, but, up to 10 o'clock, without success. The deceased was the only son of Mr. Edmund Belfour, so long attached to the Royal College of Surgeons, and was only in his fortieth year when he met with this sad accident, which has cast a deep gloom over Putney, where he was greatly respected. He leaves seven children, besides his widow.

The Times, Saturday, Jun 06, 1863; pg. 13; Issue 24578; col F


DEATH OF EDMUND BELFOUR, JUN., ESQ. The members of the profession will no doubt sympathise with the worthy Secretary of the Royal College of Surgeons, in the lamentable death by drowning, of his only son. The sad event took place on the 4th instant, when Mr. Belfour left his residence, Grove House, Putney, soon after six o'clock, for his usual early pull on the Thames. As he did not return, some uneasiness was felt which caused inquiries to be made. The result was that his boat, one of those dangerous out-riggers, was discovered drifting without him; and it soon became evident that he had met with a watery grave. Search was immediately commenced, and a large number of boats were employed in dragging that part of the river over which he was supposed to have passed; but no trace of the body could be found until Saturday, when it was discovered at Chiswick.

An inquest was held at Hammersmith, when a verdict of "Found drowned" was returned. The deceased, who was only in his fortieth year, leaves a widow and seven children. This catastrophe has not only plunged his family and numerous friends into deep grief, but is keenly felt by all who enjoyed the privilege of his acquaintance, as was exhibited at his funeral which took place on Wednesday, and was attended by a large number of the principal inhabitants of the neighbourhood and several members of the London Rowing Club, of which the deceased was Vice-President.

British Medical Journal, June 20, 1863, p667-668