Two unfortunate drowning incidents have occurred in Limerick recently. The first involved 30-year-old William Ryan, who was aboard a steam yacht in Killaloe when his clothes accidentally caught fire from paraffin oil. Panicked, Ryan jumped into the water and ultimately drowned. The second tragedy involved Timothy, a 13-year-old apothecary’s apprentice, who went bathing in the Shannon River. Unable to swim and out of his depth, Timothy was helplessly carried away by the current and drowned. These sad events have highlighted the importance of water safety and precautionary measures for the residents of Limerick.
Tragedy struck in Killaloe when 30-year-old Limerick native, William Ryan, met with a fatal accident on board a steam yacht. While stoking the yacht, Ryan’s clothes accidentally caught fire. Overwhelmed with panic and confusion, he instinctively jumped into the water in an attempt to extinguish the flames. Unfortunately, this desperate act led to his untimely death by drowning. This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the ever-present need for vigilance and safety in our daily routines, especially when working in potentially hazardous environments.
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette – Monday 30 July 1900
