IN PERIL

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 December 1924, Page 5

IN PERIL

OARSMAN’S NARROW ESCAPE.

RETENTION OF OARS. SAVES HIS LIFE. . (By Telegraph.—Special to Star.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 8. Retention of his oars, when a single sculler racing boat was swamped in the harbour on Saturday afternoon undoubtedly saved the life of the Wellington Rowing Club oarsman Bertie Smith. The boat became water-logged when crossing the entrance to. Evans’ Bay. Smith used his oars as lifebelts. He that sthe Picton ferry steamer V 1 ainui- and the coastal steamer Progress were passing fairly close, but. despite loud cries, he failed to attract the attention of either vessel. Then several yachts competing in the race flew by. 1 Again the unfortunate oarsman was unable to. warn them of his plight, which, on account of the sea running was becoming more perilous every minute. It was subsequently learned .that tlie yachtsmen were under the impression that tlie cries came from the shore, and were not distress signals. The skiff’s sculls did tlieii duty a s lifebelts well, but the continual splashing of the waves in Smith’s face was gradually him. However, making every use of the oars, lie battled gamely against the rough 'seas. When all hope of rescue seemed .to have " vanished' someone on Roseneath' Heights observed what was happening in the water below, awl succeeded in apprising those on the yacht Kona, a vessel which had then entered the boat harbour. It turned seawards and ‘hurried back to the scene of the mishap. Smith had all but, coven up hope when the Ron a arrived. He expressed the opinion afterwards that he could not have lasted another three minutes. As it was lie was too exhautsed to help himself after the Rona had cast over a lifebuoy, but he was quickly taken aboard and given the necessary attention. Oarsmen are of the'opinion that Smith’s retention of the sculls saved his life.