RESCUE FROM THE SURF.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19213, 20 January 1928, Page 8

RESCUE FROM THE SURF.

GIRL'S NARROW ESCAPE. [THE PBESS SpieUl SKrlee.] AUCKLAND, January 19. A thrilling rescue in the surf occurred at Milford lato yesterday afternoon when the efforts of three men saved a young girl from drowning. Unusually seas, a fast receding tide, and treacherous currents increased the risks of the rescuers, who battled desperately to reach the side of the unconscious girl.

While surfing in the breakers at the Castor Bay end of the beach, Miss Maisey Purvis, aged about 18, who is residing with Mrs Burt, Seaview road, Milford, during a holiday in Auckland, was caught in the strong undertow which swept her swiftly out to sea. Her endeavours to save herself were futile and within a few minutes she was- washed 300 yards from the nearest bather. Scores of men and women were bathing at the time and when the girls plight was noticed the alarm was immediately given. With commendable promptness two senior members of the Milford LifeSaving Club, Messrs Colin Bacon and Thomas Hillicker, both of East Lake road, Milford, who were patrolling the area, raced along the sands to a point opposite Miss Purvis, who soon disappeared. Mr Hillicker dashed into the surf and swam to the spot where the girl was last seen, and Mr Bacon ran to the surf shed for the life belt and reel.

The rough sea, the worst experienced at Milford for many months, made progress difficult for the daring rescuer, who only prevented himself from being carried away by the undercurrent by powerful over-arm strokes. Watchers on the shore saw the girl reappear, only to throw wide her ..rms and sink again just as Mr Bacon arrived on the scene.

With three juvenile members of the club to operate the life-saving reel, Mr Herbert Warbrick, of Milford, waded into the sea fully clothed and swam out to Mr Hillicker. Excitement ran high when Miss Purvis, seen again above the waves, was grasped by Mr Hillicker- Although burdened by his water-logged attire, Mr Warbrick soon gained the side of the rescuer and rescued, in spite of his heavy handicap. Together the men kept the girl, who had by this time lost consciousness, afloat, until the arrival of Mr Bacon, who bore the two lines, which had been fully extended.

Willing hands pulled readily at the line and within a few minutes all four were ashore. Steps were taken for the resuscitation of Miss Purvis, who was still unconscious, in the beach house. She was wrapped in blankets and kept warm until the arrival of a doctor. Half an hour elapsed before she regained consciousness. She was then motored to the home of Mrs Burt by the captain of the Surf Club. Unstinted praise is due to the members of the Surf Club whose prompt action averted the fatality. It is considered yesterday's incident was due to the heavy seas. "It was the worst tide I have seen for many months," said Mr D. M. Ford, beach inspector, employed by the Takapuna Borough Council. "The currents were so swift that it was dangerous for the strongest swimmer to venture far from shore-''