BOATING ACCIDENT AT WAIHI.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 29, 3 February 1905, Page 4

BOATING ACCIDENT AT WAIHI.

CAPSIZE IN HEAVY BREAKERS. NARROW ESCAPE AND GALLANT RESCUE. (By Telegraph.— Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, this day. A sensational boating capsize occurred off Waihi Beach late yesterday afternoon, five persons having a marvellous escape from being drowned. Mr Burke, engineer of the Waihi Beach mine, in company with four other men, also connected with the mine, put out in a small boat on a fishing expedition about half a mile off shore. On the return journey, when within 150 yards of the beach, the boat got broadside on in the breakers, which were fairly aeavy at that particular spot, and immediately capsized. The occupants were precipitated into the water. Four of the men were able to swim, and struck out for the shore, though tossed abont by the breakers. Mr Burke, noticing that one of the party was unable to swim, went to the rescue, but the man by this time had been drawn under the boat. Mr Burke dived and dragged him out, but the force of the sea again washed the man under. Mr Burke succeeded in again getting hold of him. and after much difficulty, with the aid of the uptune, s Ijoat* the men were washed ashor The three other men al»o reach d the shore safely, all being in an exhausted condition. Some campers on tae shore witnessed the occurrence, but were powerless to render assistance. I understand the boat was a flat-bot-tomed one, and therefore eaaily upset.