The Discovery of Rebecca's Boat

Follows the discovery of Rebecca's sunken boat by a diver, which leads to the reopening of the case and the revelation of the truth about her death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Stranded Ship

The Fog and the Rockets The Ship Aground A ship ran aground in the fog. Rockets were fired. The narrator and Mrs Danvers were at the window of Rebecca's room when they heard the explosions. The Diver's Task The diver was sent down to inspect the ship's bottom. While there, he discovered another boat—Rebecca's sailing boat, Je Reviens. The Body Inside the cabin, he found a body. He reported it to Captain Searle. The news spread quickly.

Captain Searle's Visit

The Harbour-Master's News The Call Captain Searle came to Manderley to inform Maxim. The narrator received him first. He told her about the boat and the body. The Identification Maxim identified the body as Rebecca's. The first identification had been a mistake. The real Rebecca had been in the cabin all along. The Implications The discovery meant that Rebecca's death was not an accident. The boat had been scuttled. The inquest would have to be reopened.

The Boat Raised

The Operation The Lighter Captain Searle arranged for a lighter to raise the boat. Maxim, Colonel Julyan, and Frank Crawley were present. The Examination The boat was brought to the surface. The cabin was intact. The body was inside. Doctor Phillips confirmed it was Rebecca. The Evidence The boat-builder later examined the boat and found holes drilled in the bottom and the seacocks open. It was clear the boat had been deliberately sunk.

The Inquest

The Legal Proceedings The Evidence Doctor Phillips, the diver, and Captain Searle gave evidence. The boat was identified as Rebecca's. The body was hers. The Boat-Builder's Testimony James Tabb testified that the boat had been deliberately scuttled. Holes had been drilled, seacocks opened. This was not an accident. The Verdict The jury returned a verdict of suicide. The coroner accepted it. The mystery of Rebecca's death was officially closed, but the truth was more complex.

Morning after the ball

Afternoon of the discovery

Early morning, day after discovery

Tuesday afternoon