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A Rescue at the Docks - 1919

The following appeared in the Northern Daiy Mail on Monday, October 27th, 1919:

"Elderly Ship Captain's Gallant Act. An exceedingly plucky act on the part of an elderly ship captain was witnessed on the docks shortly before 5 o'clock last evening.
Three or four boys were playing by the side of the Coal Dock, near what is known as the Tay Bridge, when one of them - aged about ten years - fell into the water. Captain Soren Corneliussen, of the Norwegian barque Nicolay H. Knudsen, who was walking along the quayside about 25 yards away, at once ran to the spot, and, divesting himself of his overcoat, scrambled down some steps that were near at hand and swam to the boy, who was some distance off.

The lad seized him immediately he approached him, and it was only with great difficulty that Capt. Corneliussen broke his hold and then swam back with him to the steps. Here he was assisted by Dr. Pearson and William Fletcher, horsekeeper for the N.E.R., who had in the meantime come on the scene, and the boy was taken to Fletcher's house, which is on the docks. Dr. Pearson then accompanied the captain back to his ship.

It may be mentioned that Captain Corneliussen is turned 67 years of age. The name and address of the boy whom he so gallantly rescued was not obtained, and the West Hartlepool Police would be glad of this information."

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