Drowning in Coney Island - 1848

WOMAN DROWNED AT CONEY ISLAND--A party of some fifteen persons, consisting of several New York courtezans (sic), attired in the most fashionable style, and their male admirers, went to Coney Island Point yesterday afternoon. They all went bathing in the surf, and it is said that their conduct was of a description to shock the sensibilities of others who were also availing themselves of the facilities for surf bathing. One gentleman, Mr. Geo. Stamford, of Gowanus, who was present with his wife, retired from this disagreeable proximity, and was about quitting the water, when an alarm was given that two of the above named party of girls were drowning, having been carried off their feet by the surf. None of their male companions proffered them any assistance, and Mr. Stamford rushed out and rescued one, who was resuscitated with great difficulty. The other, named Maria Monell, was too far out to be saved, and accordingly perished. Her lifeless body was, however, afterward recovered.

--Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Saturday, July 29, 1848