TOPIC:

....An intimation was received in Blackburn yesterday of the death of Sergeant J. W. Harrison, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, whilst en route to South Africa. Sergeant Harrison, who had volunteered for service, left Liverpool in the troopship Pindari on the 30th October and his death took place when the troopship was near Cape St. Vincent on the 3rd inst., pneumonia being the cause of death. Sergeant Harrison had served in the corps about 15 years, and previous to joining the staff at Netley, he served several years at Hong Kong. The deceased was a great favourite with his comrades. Sergt. Harrison, who was a Freemason, has a brother in the Grenadier Guards who form part of the relief column under Lord Methuen. .
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HARRISON.—On the 3rd inst., Sergeant J. W. ("Jerry") Harrison, Royal Army Medical Corps, died of pneumonia near Cape St. Vincent, on board the troopship Pindari, bound for South Africa. Buried at sea. Deeply mourned by his brothers and comrades.
The Blackburn Times, Saturday 25th November 1899

Harrison JW - "Deaths At Sea" - on FindmyPast also states "alcoholism" under cause of death.

Here's an image of a burial at sea which I liked. I find it touching that the ship's engines stop, and that the burial party are barefoot. The hi-res version of this image can be downloaded freely
at
wellcomecollection.org/works/fzfpyyqb/images?id=d9ggypn2

BereniceUK wrote: News was received in Shepton Mallet on Sunday morning of the death of Private Read, a member of the Active Service Company of the Somerset Volunteer Regiments, on his way to South Africa. The deceased, who was one of the best shots of the Shepton Mallet Company, was taken ill shortly after passing Las Palmas, and was ordered by the doctor to go to the hospital, where he gradually sank, and died on March 23, and was buried at sea the following morning. Bath Chronicle, Thursday 3rd May 1900

6848 Private Reid/Read, Somerset Light Infantry. Died 23rd March 1900

Here's an account of Private Read's burial, by Sergeant H. J. Cox, Oxfordshire Light Infantry.

"A gloom was spread over the ship on Friday last, when we heard that Pte. Read, of the Somerset Light Infantry, had died in hospital of peritonitis. He was buried at sea the next morning, sewn up in canvas, the ship being slowed up, and all officers and troops being present. The service was conducted by Col. Dalrymple Hay, in a very impressive manner, and on the words "We commit his body to the sea," the bugles sounded the "last post," and the sad ceremony was over."
South Bucks Free Press, Friday 4th May 1900