SMH 19 May - An able-bodied seaman named William Vanstone, a nativo of Devonshire, on board H.M.S. Nelson, when about to put a burton on the main gaff, missed his hold and fell to tho deck, a distance of fully 50 foot, ,'The unfortunate follow was picked up immediately by his comrades, and it was fouud that he had shattered his right log. As quickly as possible the sufferer was conveyed to St. Vincent's Hospital in a very exhausted state. It is thought that amputation will be imperative and that his case is critical.
SMH 21 May - The seaman William Vanstone, who was taken to the St. Vincent's Hospital on Friday night, suffering from a shattered right leg and shock to the system, caused by a fall from the main gaff aboard H.M.S. Nelson, remained tunder treatment till 7 o'clock, at which time he expired.
An inquest has been dispensed with.
Sources
Age Monday 21 May 1888, page 5 Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 19 May 1888, page 11
Sydney Morning Heral, Monday 21 May 1888, page 9
