Bondi Sensation

Mt Benger Mail, 9 February 1938, Page 2

Bondi Sensation

SURFERS SWEPT TO SEA AT LEAST FOUR DROWNED SUDDEN CHANGE IN CURRENT Sydney, Feb. 6. A heavy toll of life was taken on Bondi Beach this afternoon, when upward of 150 surfers were suddenly carried.out by the undertow, and at least four were drowned. A score of others were rescued or revived after resuscitation measures at the hospital. The beach, which was crowded with people was thrown into confusion, and the efforts of 60 lifesavers, four doctors, and ambulance men were greatly hampered by onlookers. Four bodies were recovered, all men, three of whom have so far been identified. Several would-be rescurers themselves had to be saved,, which complicated the task of the belt men. It is regarded likely that other bodies have sunk and will eventually be washed up. The three identified victims are Leslie Potter, aged about 21, Reginald McGregor (21), and Bernard Byrne (about 34). The other victim was a man between 50 and, 60 described as a real hero. He was observed supporting a girl when life-savers reached the pair, but the man, while being drawn in. was frequently immerseed and died on the beach. The girl lived. Quite 20 young. people were given up for dead when brought ashore, but in only one case was it necessary to continue artificial measures beyond an hour, when a 17-year-old youth eventually came back to life. Oxygen played an important part in the resuscitation operations.

It is believed that the cause of the tragedy was a sudden changing current which swept seaward, caught the bathers unawares, and carried them off their feet.