DROWNED IN SURF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 31 January 1939, Page 4

DROWNED IN SURF

MAN CAUGHT IN UNDERTOW

DISAPPEARANCE IN BREAKERS AUCKLAND. This Day. A drowning accident occurred at the ! Maioro Beach on the West Coast, about ilO miles from Waikuku on Sunday afternoon. The victim was Mr Francis Joseph Priest, aged 40 with four children. a farmer, of Otaua road. Waiuku. Mr Pried w r as one of a party who were bathing in the surf after lunch. They had waded out into water about 3ft deep, when six of them were caught by the undertow and were 1 being carried quickly out into the breakers. Four of them managed to | regain the shore, but Mr Priest, | who could not swim, ano his son. Trevor, a boy of about 12. were in difficulties. The son, who could swim, and was trying to reach the shore, was helped in by Mr C. Malloy, of Waiuku. who managed to reach him. Both were exhausted when they reached the beach. Meanwhile, before he could be helped, Mr Priest was swept into the breaker* and disappeared. There were about 20 people on the beach at the time The beach will be patrolled to-mor-row in a search for the body. It is a fairly popular beach, but it is known to be dangerous at times owing to the undertow. No life-saving apparatus wa* j available