TRYING EXPERIENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 230, 28 August 1937, Page 11

TRYING EXPERIENCE

NIGHT ON AN ISLAND. SEQUEL TO A SWIM. Per Press Association. TAURANGA, Aug. 27. Henry Coleman, aged 18 years, a resident of Wellington who is spending a holiday at Mount Maunganui, had a trying experience last night as the result of being marooned oil Rabbit Island.

About 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon he swam across the passage, 500 yards, from the beach to the island. The sea conditions were unfavourable and he swallowed much water. He reached a rock much exhausted and rested for a while, and then got on the island. Clad only in a bathing suit, he was very cold. He sheltered in a small cave, but was forced out by the rising tide in the night. He ran un and down the beach to keep warm. . His failure to return to where he was staying caused alarm, and residents feared that lie was drowned. During the whole night they patrolled the beach with torches. Some time after daylight came he was sighted on the island and the police at Tauranga were advised, and they proceeded to the island in the harbour launch ltep. Early in the morning Coleman twice attempted to swim from the island to the beach, but he was beaten back by a heavy swell. Those on the mainland improvised a big letter notice, “Help coming,” which was readily seen by Coleman. _ . , . The launch on reaching the island, quickly located Coleman, who was brought off in the dinghy. Stimulants, food, and clothing were supplied by the police and Coleman shortly afterward landed at the Mount none the worse for his experience.