FISHING TRAGEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20384, 12 October 1929, Page 8

FISHING TRAGEDY.

TWO MEN DROWNED.

SURVIVORS' CLOSE CALL.

Details of the tragedy that occurred in Queensland waters, when Ronald Brown and Vincent Ebrington were drowned through a big wave capsizing their fishing boat between Fitzroy Island and the mainland, show that the survivors, Michael Hesse and a man named Cook, had a terrible experience. Hesse swam three miles to the mainland through shark-infested waters to obtain help. Brown and Ebrington disappeared, but Cook was rescued by a lugger. When the accident occurred, Cook managed to secure a small piece of board which served to support Ebrington and Brown. The latter, however, who was unable to swim, soon lost hold and sank. Hesse then started off for the mainland, while Cook endeavoured to assist Ebrington, who was only a fair swimmer. He managed to keep Ebrington afloat for some time, but eventually the latter became exhausted and disappeared. Meanwhile Hesse succeeded in reaching Turtle Bay, where he informed a party of campers of the mishap. They immediately scoured the neighbouring beach for any signs of the others, and at last they heard Cook calling for help about 400 yds. from the shore near Pandanus Bay. Owing to the rocky nature of the coast, the party on shore could do little to help. Cook was nearly exhausted, and when the steamer Santhia came in sight, the party on' shore, by means of fires, frantically tried to attract its attention, without success. Cook's position was apparently hopeless, when a Japanese lugger appeared. It passed within 50yds. of Cook, but shouts and signs from those on shore brought the vessel to a standstill, and Cook was taken aboard after being in the water for two and a-half hours. . When the news of the tragedy spread soveral vessels proceeded to the scene, but no trace of Brown and Ebrington v/as found.