STRUGGLE IN SURF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20596, 21 June 1930, Page 12

STRUGGLE IN SURF.

THREE FISHERMEN IN PERIL. CAPSIZE OF DINGHY. RESCUE IN THE DARKNESS, LAUNCH SMASHED TO PIECES. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN COBHESPONDENT.] ■WAIHI, Friday. Three fishermen had a terrible experience off the Waihi Beach last night, when their dinghy was swamped as they were going out to their launch. Had it not been for the fact that their plight was discovered by seaside residents, it is almost certain there would have been loss of life. The party consisted of Messrs. Charles George, of Waihi, owner of the launch, Alfred Mcßride and Stanley Blade. The men had been fishing at Whangamata cn Thursday morning and, putting across to the beach, they came on to Waihi to dispose of the haul. They left the launch at anchor and the dinghy hauled up on the foreshore. Returning after darkness, fhey decided to board the launch, in spite of the fact that a strong south-easterly gale had sprung up meanwhile. They had, however, not gone far before the dinghy was swamped by the heavy seas and the occupants were thrown into the breakers.

Seeing no sign of the dinghy when they came to the surface, the three men struck out for the shore, but with the rollers breaking on the jagged rocks, landing was almost impossible. Help, however, was available from residents, who were on the shore, but it was some time before the men were dragged to safety. Mr. George, who was rescued by Mn. A. Edwards, was in the last stages o! exhaustion when ho was brought to land.

Meanwhile the launch broke away from its moorings and was driven by th§ breakers on to the rocks, where it wag smashed to matchwood.

Messrs. Mcßride and Blade, who lost their money and belongings, which had been left on the launch, are' being given temporary relief in Waihi.