MAN DROWNED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 141, 27 March 1948, Page 4

MAN DROWNED

Boat Capsizes at Rangitata Mouth SECOND OCCUPANT SAVED (P.A.) TIMARU, March 26. One man was drowned when a small boat was swept to sea at the Rangitata mouth last evening. The second occupant was saved after lie had struggled in the water for three-quarters of an hour. The man drowned was Edwards Jen Christian Jensen, married, aged 64, a retired coal merchant, of 13 Baker Street, Timaru. The two men were rowing to a fishing spot near an island at the mouth of the river. They missed the island and anchored. When the anchor was lifted in an attempt to gain the island, the boat was carried out to sea, and capsized on the bar about 6 p.m. When the occupants were thrown in the water, Mr McCann, who is a strong swimmer, was able to take off his gumboots. He managed to support Mr Jensen for a time, but eventually the older man slipped out of his grasp. Both men were then carried 300 to 400 yards 1 out to, sea.

Superintendent E. W. McCann, of the Timaru Fire Brigade, was ill in bed at Rangitata mouth when he learned that his son was struggling in the water. He immediately rushed to the scene of the accident, and with others on the shore, called encouragement and advice to the tired swimmer. Eventually Mr McCann managed to reach his son with a rope. Mr K. McCann was dragged ashore exhausted through heavy breakers about 6.45 p.m., after he had been in the water threequarters of an hour. He regained the shore a quarter of a mile south of the mouth.

When the accident occurred, one of the campers rushed to the home of Mrs J. C. Kelland, Orton, to communicate with the Timaru police, and the Harbour Master about sending a launch to help with the rescue. It is understood that it Avas considered dangerous to send a launch because of the gathering darkness, and the shingle banks on the coast.

Mr McCann was suffering seriously from shock and exhaustion when he was rescued.

The body of Mr Jensen was recovered on the beach about two miles south of the mouth this morning, and taken to the Timaru morgue.