FATE OF SURF BATHERS.

Mataura Ensign, 30 January 1911, Page 6

FATE OF SURF BATHERS.

TRAGEDY AT COOGEE. FOUR LIVES LOST. BY 1 • 1 ...C. ntlC TKLEOEAPII. —COP Yi: 1 i :liT. ''' : C.MTKI) PRESS A.-lMlC'i.Vr.'ON SYDNEY, Jan. !•;:. There lias been a sensation at (.'<;: ;(cc I beach. Six women and live men wao | were bathing in the surf were carried , out to sea. The women and one man ;were rescued, but the others were [drowned. The names of the victims are Joseph McGrath, George Mackie, Sydney Hardy and Wilson. Recent heavy rains had formed a channel in which there was a strong current. j FIFTH DEATH FEARED. SYDNEY, Jan. 29. j It is feared that a fifth man has been 'drowned at Coogee, clothing found on j the rocks being unclaimed. j The sea was very rough, and there | was a very strong undertow, especially in the channel. When the bathers got into this they were quickly carried out. The rescurers did excellent work, .MiHarold Baker being especially prominent in saving several, although he was hilly dressed. One of the victims was brought to shallow water and told to run on to the beach. In his fear he (ell down again and was taken out and drowned. The women .struggled wifih their rescurers, one of whom was forced to strike a girl in order to avoid hindrance.