THRILLING RESCUE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 19, 24 January 1927, Page 10

THRILLING RESCUE

TITAHI BAY INCIDENT

While bathing at Titahi Bay yesterday afternoon Mr. J. Watterson, of 18, Cardell street, Wellington, was caught in a treacherous undertow and swept out a quarter of a mile before being rescued by Mr. W. Johnston, of Lower Hutt, and Mr. G. H. Sharratt, of Wadestown. Mr. Watterson was picked up on the verge of unconsciousness, and his rescuers, who put out in a small dinghy, had a very tnying time.

Mr. Watterson, who is connected with the Patent 'Slip. Company, was a member; of a picnic party. Accompanied by Uis nephew, Mr. Watterson went bathing shortly. after 2 o 'clock. He ventured out some distance from the shore, but as it was known that he was a good swimmer fears were not entertained for his safety. Later, however, when Mr. Watteraon made efforts to return to the beach it was seen that the receding tide was too. strong for him, and the alarm was raised, Mr. Johnston and Mr. Sharratt were quick to realise the bather's position, and the pair rushed out a dinghy. There were many hundreds of people on the beach, and a cheer of encouragement went up from the anxious spectators as the boat drew alongside Mr. Watterson, who was so distressed that he collapsed when hauled to safety by Mr. Sharratt.

. The rescuers' work -was not yet over, as the shore was a quarter of a mile away and the boat had turned broadside on. Mr. Johnston made strenuous endeavours to regain land, but at first made little progress. Gradually, though, ■ the dinghy answered to his efforts. When about 150 yds from the shore the boat swamped and capsized, throwing the,'three men into the water. Mr. Johnston struck,out for the shore, while Mr. Sharratt, who -was' unable to swim, clung to the upturned craft. Mr. Watterson, with a lifebuoy to aid him, was tossed about in. the surf. Bathers', however, completed the rescue, and the men were brought safely to the beach.

Mr. Johnston was little the worse for his experience, but resuscitation measures had to be applied to Messrs. Watterson, and Sharratt. Mr. W. Dutton, divisional superintendent of the St. John Ambulance, rendered particularly good service, and Mr. Sharratt quickly recovered. Mr. "Watterson was some_ time Unconscious before relief was obtaije.d, and he was given attention, at the Titahi Bay Club before being conveyed to his home.