MAGNIFICENT FEAT

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 127, 25 November 1940, Page 5

MAGNIFICENT FEAT

LAD'S SWIM FOR HELI

HOUR AND A HALF BATTLE WITH WAVES

(By Telegraph—Press Association.}

AUCKLAND, November 24.

A holiday sailing trip had a tragic ending yesterday afternoon' when a 14ft boat capsized in the . Tamaki Straits, near Ho wick. One of foiitj occupants, Norman Edward Nilsen* aged 17J, of St. Heliers, died from exposure before help could arrive.

Two of the others, Betty Ashford,, aged 17, of Glendowie, and Desmond Hay ward, aged. 18, of St. Heliers, ,were rescued as the result of the gallant action of Raymond Nilsen, aged 15, brother of Norman. -He swam 24 mile* to the shore for help. ' ;.

Glowing tributes to the courage and endurance of the lad were paid by yachtsmen assisting in the subsequent rescue. "It was a feat that must rahlc as one of the finest in the history of the harbour," stated ah 'experienced yachtsman. A strong wind was. blowing off shore in the teeth of ■ the lad, who had to battle with a fairly heavy sea for 90 minutes before he reached the shore. He collapsed on reaching shallow water and restoratives had to be applied for some lime before ha could tell of the plight of his companions, who were over three hour* in the water before being rescued.

. Kay ward supported the girl throughout their long ordeal and both were in, a state of collapse •'when taken on tfcm rescue boat. •