BATTLE FOR LIFE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 175, 23 June 1930, Page 6

BATTLE FOR LIFE.

THREE AIEN IN DINGHY. THRILLING NIGHT RESCUE. AA : AIHI. June 21. AA’hat was very nearly a treble drowning fatality occurred early on Thursday evening at the AN aihi Beach wdien a dinghy containing three men capsized in tlie breakers during the darkness, and the occupants were rescued with great difficulty Li an hausted condition -after a terrible experience amongst the rocks. During the morning, In calm weather, a fishing launch manned by Alessrs Chas. George (owner), Scan Blade and Alfred Alcßride arrived at the beach: from AIN kangamata with a load of fish, which the men conveyed to AVaihi after they had anchored the launch about a quarter of a mile off the point. . During the late afternoon the wind changed to the south-east, causing heavy surf. The men'returned to the beach about six o’clock and set off in a dinghy for the launch. The dinghy, however, was caught in the heavy rollers and driven towards the cove under the cliffs, where it capsized. The men then began a terrible battle for life against the heavy seas and eventually reached the rocks, where they were completely at the mercy of the incoming breakers. Meanwhile several beach residents, including Messrs Edwards (schoolmaster), Patterson, Griffens and Maunder, climbed down the rocks with a view to rendering what assistance was possible. Mr Aloon, the beach caretaker, endeavoured to get the life-saving reel into action, but this was found to be impossible. The unfortunate men. however, were eventually dragged out of the sea and on .to the rocks in the last stages of exhaustion suffering severely from cuts and bruises. The rescue was accomplished with great difficulty, and at times the rescuers themselves were in danger. The efforts of Mr Edwards were particularly outstanding and he was responsible for saving the life of Mr George. A message from AVaihi Be-acli states that the launch broke its moorings during the night and drifted on to the rocks, where it was smashed to pieces. The dinghy was also lost, with a quantity of provisions. The personal effects and clothing of the crew were also lost aboard the launch.

The shipwrecked men were brought to Wailii this morning, and arrangements were made for clothing and temproray relief. During the efforts at rescue the Griffen brothers and a native put off in a fishing boat, but the small craft was swamped and the men returned to shore.

The rescued men state that they gave themselves up for lost, and did not expect to reach the rocks.