George Case Second in Command of the Ship

Calum & Emily C

George Case – Second in Command of the Ship

The crossing was very hard. We cannot be held responsible for the deaths of these slaves. Water became short through no fault of our own and we simply had no other choice but to take action. It was a difficult decision to get rid of the 133 sick slaves on board.

Robert & Rachel

James Kelsal – Crew Member

Although the water was short, it still does not explain such an extreme measure. I only followed orders from the Captain. It is true that they are only slaves but this was beyond cruel. I did what I had to do but I am not to blame for any of this.

Bronwyn & Jonathon

Jim Stone – Crew Member

We followed our good Captain’s orders to the letter. We trusted him fully when he told us how little water was left on the ship. It is true that some of the slaves were sick, so was it not less cruel to throw the poor, sick people into the sea, rather than let them suffer?

Alan & Louise

Luke Collingwood – the ship’s Captain

I have always had the interests of my crew at heart. Water was short and I had to do something, not only to save ourselves, but also the rest of the healthy slaves onboard. I did the right thing. Colin & Hannah Granville Sharp – Abolitionist

This is an offence against all of mankind. Those who have treated these people as property should face the most severe punishment. If the people who have suffered had been white men and not slaves, would they have been thrown overboard?

Cameron & Emily S Olaudah Equiano – Abolitionist

I have been witness to some of the worst cruelty known to man, but nothing worse than this. It is often said that Africans are no more than animals and should be treated as such, but I stand up for every African person treated like this. They have the same rights as us.

Abby & Megan Charles Kingsley – Represents the Insurance Company

Luke Collingwood knew that if sick slaves died a natural death from diseases onboard his ship, he would have to take the responsibility. If they had to be thrown alive into the sea to protect the safety of the crew, he would be paid for each slave lost. Luke Collingwood state that a water shortage was the reason for these actions, but this has never been proven.

Matthew John Lee – Solicitor General What is this claim that human people have been thrown overboard? This is a case of chattels or goods. Blacks are goods and property; it is madness to accuse these well serving honourable men of murder. They acted out of necessity and in the most appropriate manner for the cause. The late Captain Collingwood acted in the interest of his ship to protect the safety of his crew. To question the judgement of an experienced, well travelled captain held in the highest regard is one of folly, especially when talking of slaves. The case is the same as if horses had been thrown overboard.