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Guard of two European and six Indian Constables were in another boat which towed the boat containing prisoners - there was a Police boat in attendance.
On arriving alongside the Convict Hulk I saw the Police Sergeant Ashton standing at the gangway, at the ladder up which the Convicts ascended: the Convicts were more crowding, and eager than usual to get on board because it was raining, and several crowded to ascend the ladder at the same side - it appeared to me that the chains of those wanting to get up became entangled and in consequence several fell backward against other prisoners.
On the outer side of this boat the prisoners gave a lurch towards the Hulk and then a lurch in the opposite direction and turned over immediately. I am quite certain that there was no Turnkey or other person in the gangway with a stick and certain that no prisoner was struck - the Convicts were cast out into the water. The boat in which I was and the Police boat commenced to save them, and immediately afterwards the boat used by the Superintendent from the opposite side of the Hulk came to our assistance and saved all that could be saved.