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DUMBARTON HERALD 29 July 1869

MELANCHOLY BOAT ACCIDENT - EIGHT PERSONS DROWNED (continued)

How the calamity happened must for ever remain a mystery; but it is generally supposed that after parting from the other boat John McCrae and William Thomson, who were both at the oars from the time of leaving Port-Glasgow, had been shifting seats with some of the other members of the party, and that the boat had suddenly capsized. Not one of the members of the other boat heard any cries, but a woman who lives on the shore states that having occasion to be out for water shortly after twelve o'clock, she heard an indistinct cry as if of some one calling for help, and proceeding from the direction of the river, but believing that it was some sea-bird, she paid little attention to it, and soon again retired to her house. The grown-up males on board the boat were known to be good swimmers. Mrs J. McCrae was within a few weeks of her confinement. She was the second wife of her husband. Another little boy, who was likewise to have accompanied his parents, but who was latterly prevented, is left an orphan. Mr and Mrs Thomson likewise leave one child. Thomson was about to leave home to join the ship Anglesea, bound for Montreal. The McCrae family is held in much esteem in the district, and great sympathy is expressed for the relatives. > more [8]