SWEPT OFF FEET

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 120, 15 February 1932, Page 10

SWEPT OFF FEET

Drowning at Auckland Beach CAUGHT BY UNDERTOW Dominion Special Service. Auckland, February 14. A drowning accident occurred at Bethell’s beach, on the west coast ot Auckland, this afternoon, the victim being Mr. Walter Cate, aged 55, a farmer residing at Taupaki. , Mr. Cate was caught in an undertow while he was fishing with two companions, Mr. Richard Ritchie and Mr. Waiter Donald Stirling, farmers, of Waitakere, both of whom liad narrow escapes. Swept Off Their Feet. The three men had gone to Bethell’s beach on a Ashing excursion, and were trying to net flsh from the rocks. They then entered the water, and were standing in the surf up to their waists when they were swept off their feet by a strong undertow. All three were soon in difficulties, and they struggled desperately to regain the rocks. Mr. Ritchie and Mr. Stirling were able to swim a little and they succeeded in reaching safety. It was seen that Mr. Cate was being taken further out.to sea, and Mr. Stirling caught him by a hand in an attempt to save him. Mr. Cate sank and was not seen again. Both Mr. Stirling and Mr. Ritchie were badly exhausted when they reached the rocks. Search for Body. The accident was seen by a number of people from the beach some distance away. A search was instituted immediately and continued throughout. the afternoon, but no trace of Mr. Cate had been found to a late hour this evening. Mr. Cate was a married man. with an adult family. The men were not well acquainted with the beach, and the point where they were fishing had a dangerous undertow. The danger was greater to-day on account of the fairly heavy sea which was running.