ACCIDENT AT FRENCH PASS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 17 May 1941, Page 4

ACCIDENT AT FRENCH PASS

GIRLS LUCKY ESCAPE FROM DROWNING An accident which occurred in the French Pass last Saturday might have ended with serious results. A launch left St. Lawrence carrying people who wished to attend* a meeting at Waikawa Bay. While! negotiating the French Pass a strong! tide rip was encountered causing the launch to lurch suddenly, throwing Fay King-Turner, aged 13 years, into the treacherous current. Being a good swimmer the girl immediately started to swim but was soon carried under in a whirlpool. Had it not been for her cool courage in keeping up • the battle she would certainly have I been drowned. Great credit is due to the launch owner for the skilful manoeuvring of his boat in such a current and for his prompt action in! getting the lifebuoy over to assist 1 the swimmer. Another launch also! stood by to be of assistance if neces-! sary. The accident was witnessed by Mr! McCrae, the lighthouse keeper, and 1 his wife, who immediately prepared ! a bed and hot water bottles in case! i the girl could bo taken to their home, | but the launch owner considered it j not wise to land at the lighthouse so went on to Waikawa Bay, where Mrs I Gilbert Wells, who had been informed by Mr McCrae of the ac- [ cident, had everything in readiness, | and aftei a hot bath, and a change i into warm clothes, the girl was little the worse for her experience.