THREE GIRLS DROWNED

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25734, 21 February 1949, Page 6

THREE GIRLS DROWNED

PUPILS OF COLUMBA COLLEGE STRONG UNDER-TOW AT BEACH (P.A.) DUNEDIN. February 20. Three pupils of Columba Girls’ College were drowned at Allan’s beach, one of the small beaches on Otago peninsula near the-end of Hooper’s inlet, just before noon on Saturday. About 80 pupils of the school were at the beach and several were caught in a strong under-tow. Those who lost their lives were:— Winsome Taylor, aged 16, of Wairuna. Clinton. Heather Copland, aged 16, of Kaka Point, Balclutha. Robin Ramsay, aged 14, of Hyde, Central Otago. They were all boarders at the school. Seven girls got into difficulties and six were brought ashore by other pupils. Artificial respiration was applied by one of the mistresses and tne occupant of the only house in the vicinity. Two did not recover and the body of the seventh girl was not found until about 2.30 p.m. A launch was sent quickly across the harbour to Port Chalmers to get a doctor, who was hurried to the beach in a taxi. St. John Ambulance Brigade men were also on the scene in quick time and resuscitation efforts were intensified. It was not until after 3 o’clock that efforts at restoring life were stopped. Mention of the tragedy was made in some Dunedin churches to-day. The college will be closed to-morrow and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday,