BATHING FATALITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 17, 21 January 1937, Page 9

BATHING FATALITY

SMALL BOY VICTIM

RUBBER RAFT CAPSIZES

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

HASTINGS, January 20.

Through being blown out to sea for a short distance on a rubber raft used for bathing purposes, Laurie Bruce Mcßac, aged 8* was drowned at the West Shore Beach at about 1.30 this afternoon. His brother, Allan, aged 12, who was also on the raft, made a gallant effort to rescue his brother, but finally had to give up and be brought ashore, where he was revived under artificial respiration.

The Sea was fairly choppy, but not dangerous at. the time. A sudden gust of wind carried the boys out of their depth for 30 yards, where the raft capsized. Allan made an effort to reach his brother, who was unable to swim properly, but he himself was not a strong swimmer, and, after making unsuccessful efforts for some time, he was forced to make for the shore In an Exhausted condition, eye-witnesses none Of whom could swim, having to ■wade out and bring him ashore. In th 6 meantime the younger boy had disappeared.

The police and launches were early on the scene, and after an hour and a half of dragging operations the body was recovered.

Bucn of the cabla news on tills pace ns In jp> htMed has appeared In "Tlio Times" nnd Is cabled to .Australia and Nmr Zealand by special permission. It should be understood Jhat the opinions are not those of "The Times" Unless expressly stated to bo so.