Edward Bewley

Edward Bewley (also spelled Bulay) was born in 1931. He appears to have come to Australia from Essex, England as a convict in 1850 serving a seven-year sentence at the age of 19 years. It seems he was convicted again in Queensland at the age of 22 years. In 1853 he was transported to Western Australia, arriving on 30 April aboard the Pyrenees.

Edward’s records indicate he was 5ft 9inches and was stout. He had an anchor tattooed onto the back of his right hand, and finger tattoos on both hands. His occupation was iron and brass fitter.

There is little information about how Edward became a pearler in the Northwest of WA or when he took a partner, Mr Gale. It is not hard to imagine he was attracted to the pearl rush and the money it could bring.

Edward became more than a pearler, he also learned to dive. From second mate on the s.s. Rob Roy, Edward became the master of the Pioneer. In 1885 he was working the pearl grounds in King Sound.

On 9 March 1885 Edward said he did not feel well. Despite his health, he climbed into his diving dress and hard hat and went to the bottom to collect pearl shells.

Edward’s tender felt a signal through Edward’s lifeline, indicating he wanted to surface immediately. The tender did not bring Edward up straight away, as it could cause paralysis. Instead, he signalled back to Edward to find out what was wrong. When he received no response, the tender brought Edward up to the boat. He was lifeless when he was hoisted out of the water.

It was concluded Edward had some type of seizure. He signalled when he felt it coming on but expired before he reached the surface.

It is unclear where Edward was buried or whether he had family to mourn for him. The news of Edward’s death was carried to Fremantle by Captain Mayne of the Otway.