NARROW ESCAPE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16565, 1 June 1914, Page 8

NARROW ESCAPE.

THREE MEN IN A BOAT,

YACHT CAPSIZED AT LYTTELTON

Three young men, named Clarence Gilmour James It. Anderson and Alex M'Cormick, ventured out in the 18ft yacht Kiwi at Lyttclton yesterday and after spending some time in the vicinity of Diamond Harbour decided to return to port, but on the return journey the boat capsized in the middle of the harbour. The yacht was caught in a strong westerly gust, the suddenness of which took the occupants by surprise, the jib being blown out. The boat sank in a few minutes.

With the exception of Gilmour the crew were strong swimmers, but with the assistance of a floor board Gilmour was able to hold out for fifteen minutes. Then he suddenly lost the board and called out to his mates who wore close by that he was in trouble. M'Cormick regained the board and assisted Gilmour. In the, meantime the mate of the schooner Eliza Firth which had anchored in the stream from Kaipara in the morning observed the party's plight, and with the assistance of a member of the crew rowed off in a dinghy. The three men were taken on board and Gilmour immediately collapsed. Resuscitation measures were used. The ferry launch Canterbury, from Diamond Harbour, came along and picked up the dinghy and brought the three men to the wharf. Dr Newell was called in hut Gilmour was sufficiently recovered to go to his' home without medical aid. . . - •