BOATING FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 31, 5 February 1894, Page 3

BOATING FATALITY.

FISHING BOAT MAGGIE SUNK

ROBERT/ MELLIS DROWNED.

OTHERS HAVE A NARROW

ESCAPE.

The fishing boab Maggie aank off the North Head aba quarter to three on Saturday afternoon, and Robert Mollis, one of her crew, waa drowned. The crew of the Maggie included John Cuomo, who waa in command, Matthew Parsons, James Greon, John Green, John Alexander, and Roberb Mollis.

A squall sbruck the boab when Matthew Parsons was in charge, the sheet being fast and the crafb filled and wenb over.

All hands were lefb struggling in the water, bub five of the seven reached the shoro by their own efforts. John Cuomo and Roberb Mollis were less fortunate, and but for bhe prompt action of bwo men named McLean and Williamson, who witnessed the accideut, a double fatality would have bad to have been recorded. McLean and Williamson dived oil the rocks and swam out a considerable distance. They then dived and got hold of John Cuomo, who waa broughb ashore and reauscibabed.

In conversation wibh our representative to-day, Mr John Cuomo, owuer of the Maggie, aaid thab his boab was all ready bo proceed on a fishing cruise on Saturday evening, bub a party of friends embarked about ono o'clock in the afternoon to witness the conclusion of the contesb between bho centreboard yachb Manola and the fishing boat Venice. The intention was to land those who wero not going to fish later in the afternoon. On starting, William Parsons, who ia associated with Cuomo in the fishing business, took charge, the labter going below for a sleep. j[Mr Cuomo was oblivious to everythinguntil about an hour latorwhen he was rudely awakened by an inrush of water. After great difficulty ho groped his way out of the forcastle and got clear of the wreck. He managed to regain the surface in a thoroughly exhausted condition and full of salt water. Fortunately he spied the gaff of the mainsail floating near by and in a half unconscious state, he hung on to this until rescued by the two courageous prisoners, McLean and Williamson, who, noticing tin. accident, pluckily waded along an oyster bank and then plunged into deep watui and swam to the drowning man'a assistance. It r.eemn thab tho Maggie proceeded in gaiety bo jusb off tlio North Hoad, having her mainsail, jib and staysail set and being propelled by a stiff westerly breezo. The mam sheet was fast on the lee side, and when tho squall, many of which are frequently mat off there, came swooping down from the land sho instantly heeled over and went under. Ac that time the racing craft were in full view and the majority of the occupants of the Maggie were crowded in the bows, intently watching the race. Parsons, when the boat commenced to go over, attempted to luff, but the craft, too heavily weighted in the bow, refused to answer the helm. Tho men wero ail rather heavily clothed, and, keeping together, they sbruck out for the slioro. All were good swimmers, the drowned man especially so, bub Robert Mollis and John Green soon lagged behind. The firsb to reach the chore were James Green, John Caleconde Mollis, and Parsons, and seeing that some of their companions were in difficulties aboub 150 yards oub, John and Alexander Mollis and James Green throw off their cumbersome garments and returned to the reacue. When the younger Green was reached ib waß found be did nob need asaistance, and every endeavour waa then made to reacue Robert Mollis. Before anyone could reach him, however, hepisap.

1 peared, and although he rose again he sank out of sight for good very quickly. He uttered no ory ab all. In .the meantime bwo prisoners ; McLean and Williamson had caved the life of Cuomo, a boat picking the party up. Mr Cuomo states that had not his brave reacuerers arrived when they did he could never hav£ kepb himself afloat. The bravery of bhe two prisoners certainly merits substantial recognition at the hands of the Governmenb. Such commendable promptitude as they displayed is well worthy of reward. Mr Cuomo was taken to the Flagstaff Hotel where he received medical attendance, being in a very weak state. He is now at bis home in Parnell, and will soon be allright. Robert Mollis waa only 18 years of age, and was an employee of the Zealandia Boob Factory.

The Magirie was raised yesterday afternoon, but although Sergeant Kelly and Constable Rowlea and bhe Water Police have made a thorough search oi the locality and immediate vicinity, the body of bhe un fortunate fellow has not yet been re covered.