Drowning Fatality.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 505, 24 January 1906, Page 5

Drowning Fatality.

Another drowning fatality in the Lower Harbour occurred on Friday last near Portobello. It appears that Mr William F. Dunbar, a University student, residing with his parents at 76 London street, Dunedin, accompanied by two friends, William Gloss (nephew of Dr Closs, of Dunedin, and son of Mr J. G. Closs, of Alexandra) and Arthur J. Oottorill (a University student, whose parents reside in Oamaru), left Dunedin by the boat at 10 o'clock for Portobello. Procuring a boat at Portobello, they pulled towards the fish hatchery, and there, tempted by the warmth of the weather, Dunbar and Cioss decided to have a bathe. The time was about half-past twelve. Cotterill, who was not feeling over bright, was left on the beach. Dunbar, who was a fair swimmer, swam out about 20 yards into deep water, when he was noticed to be in trouble. It is thought he must have tired or that he was attacked with cramp. He was heard to call out, " Hurry up!" Mr Closs being unable to swim, was powerless to h-lp. Mr Cotter ill, partially undressiug, at once went to the rescue iof his comrade, who at this time had disappeared. Mr Cotterill succeeded in getting a hold of Dunbar, but it was with the greatest difficulty that he retained his grip. At one time both men went under the water, but, thanks to Mr Uotterill's heroic exertions, they rose to the surface again. Striking out lor the chore, Mr Cctterill managed to reach it aftet a great struggle, getting assistance from Mr Closs in the shallow water, and every effort was then made to restore animation. Mr Closs did his utu?RSt in this direction, while. Mr Cotterill wont to Portobello for help. In 15 minutes he returned with other gentlemen, and restorative me;tns were vigorously applied, but all, unfortunately, to no purpose, and Dr Hodges, who was in the neighbourhood at the time, arriving on the scene, pronounced the case hopeless. The body WdS ] placed ou the little steamer Tarewai I and taken to Port Chalmers, being con- | veyed to Dunedin by the 4 o'clock ' train.

The deceased, who was 19 years of ! age, was a remarkably fine young man, ■ and a promising athlete. Too much I credit cannot be given to Mr Ootterill i for his piucky action. Although only partially uudrossed he plunged into the

sea without hesitation, and in a most valiant struggle did his utmost to rescue his friend. On regaining the shore Mr Cotterill was almost completely exhausted.—'Times.'