Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, Wednesday, January 8th, 1879:
A PILOT DROWNED AT HARTLEPOOL. THIS MORNING. About five o'clock this morning, while John Horsley, a pilot, 47 years of age, residing in Regent Street, Hartlepool, was attempting to board the brig "Isis”, in the channel, at the entrance to the Old Harbour, fell between the ship's ladder and his small boat, and was drowned before assistance could be rendered his brother George, who accompanied him. The body was recovered about five minutes after the accident, and although the usual restorative means were applied, it was found that life was extinct. The attendance of Mr. Rawlings, surgeon, was procured, but his efforts were of no avail. An inquest is to be held.