Introduction / The Island / Accidents and Wrecks

Stewart Gullion Groat Drowned
(12th April 1865)

Both the Orcadian (18th April 1865) and the Orkney Herald reported the drowning of Stewart Groat on Wednesday 12th April 1865. He was the son of Robert Groat and Elizabeth Harcus from Lakequoy.

Stewart was in the boat with his father and one of his young sons. The boat, which was returning from a fishing trip, approached Rusk Holm too close and got upset by a land sea.

A brother of his was in the vicinity and immediately steered to the spot. He was successful in picking up his father and nephew.

Stewart was just thirty one and left a widow and five children, one having died previously. His oldest child was ten years old.