Drowning Fatality at Mt. Maunganui

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 15161, 19 December 1949, Page 2

Drowning Fatality at Mt. Maunganui

Fall From Board Wih.Uo Aquaplaning No Trace Of Body Yet Found Failing from an improvised aquaplane which was being lowed behind a launch in Pilot Bay. Mount Maunganui, a man was drowned on Saturday afternoon. He was Harry Joseph Conchie, aged about 30, a single man from Wellington. Mr Conchie, who was a plumber by trade, had been staying at Mount Maunganui for six weeks. His parents reside at Napier. So far no trace of the body has been found. The fatality occurred at about 445 p.m. after Mr Conchie and his host, Mr J. W. Dustin, had gone out to assist in, moving a launch to its moorings near Salisbury wharf. While the launch was being moved, it was suggested that the improvised aquaplane should be towed. Mr Dustin was the first to ride the board and later Mr Conchie. According to those on board the launch, he suddenly fell, i'n a crouched position. The launch was immediately stopped and Mr Confchie was seen to rise to the surface, Still in a crouched position. It is thought that he might have had a seizure or stomach cramp. As he was a strong swimmer, no concern was felt for Mr Conchie at the time he fell from the towing board. He disappeared immediately after coming to the surface, before assistance could be given and was not seen again. After notifying Constable H. Hodge of Mount Maunganui, of the mishap, those on board obtained a 180-foot net and dragged the channel but the body was not found. Dragging was continued yesterday with no success. A plane from the Tauranga Aero Club, piloted by Mr R. Graham, co-operated in the search or the body yesterday. At the time of the accident, the launch was in the channel between Salisbury wharf and Mount jetty. The tide was running out and there was 3 strong current 3nd westerly wind. It is considered possible that the body may have been carried out to sea. Dragging operations will be continued today.