SURF BOAT SWAMPED.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 January 1929, Page 5

SURF BOAT SWAMPED.

THREE DROWNED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) TE KUITI, This Day. A tragic drowning accident occurred at Marakapa at a small bay at the Hari Hari estate as the result of the overturning of a surf boat. John Riddell, aged 45, a farmer at Marakopa and two natives, Rubay and Charlie Maikuku were drowned. A party of seven went out just before sunset last evening to try out the surf boat .with the object of surfing at daybreak today. The boat was successful in negotiating the first lines of breakers and was reaching the second lines when an exceptionally heavy wave swamped the boat. The men hung on to the boat for some time but when the next breaker rolled in, Riddell was not amongst the party. Three others of the party with Maikuku attempted to swim shore. Three successfully landed, but Maikuku apparently became separated, and was lost sight of by the other swimmers. Maikuku’s body was washed up later. The other two Eubay and Potai 'stayed on the upturned boat and it is concluded they drifted outwards and then decided to attempt to swim ashore. While doing so, Rubay said to Potai “I can go no further. I am done." Potai replied: “I can’t help you, I am the same." Potai then lost sight of Rubay in the waves. Potai luckily struck the steer oar of. the surf boat and with'it was successful in reaching shore. Natives are searching for the two missing bodies and the local police have gone to their assistance. - Riddell is a married man, but has no family. He is very well-known in the district. Both natives are married men with large families.