SAVED FROM DROWNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21454, 30 March 1933, Page 8

SAVED FROM DROWNING

MAN UNCONSCIOUS IN SEA INCIDENT AT TAKAPUNA' Rescued in an unconscious state by two men who went to his assistance in a dinghy, Mr. Bertie Basil Raynes, of Pukekohe, experienced a fortunate escape from drowning at Takapuna early yesterday afternoon. The rescuers were Mr. H. J* McCaffrey, of Killarney Street, Takapuna, and Mr. .TV. P. Armitage, of 20 Bay View Road, Takapuna. Having visited Takapuna on business, Mr. Rnynes went for a swim at the beach. He later obtained a small dinghy and while still in his bathing suit went for a row. There was a fresh easterly wind blowing, malting the w«ter rather choppy, and the tiny craft was in danger of swamping. As the dinghy was being carried away from land by the receding tide, Mr. Raynes decided to abandon the craft and swim for the shore, which was several hundred yartjs distant. He made little headway against the current, however, and it was not long before he was in difficulties. The empty dinghy, was noticed in a half-swamped condition a long distance from shore by two women on the beach, and they informed Messrs* McCaffrey and Armitage.

The two men launched a boat and Mr< Raynes was rescued in an unconscious condition, having suffered severely from cramp. He was put to bed at the Mon Desir Hotel, but did not recover consciousness until an hour after his rescue.'

"As soon as I became exhausted, I swallowed considerable quantifies of sea water and I lost all sense of direction,"* said Mr. Raynes last evening. He said hi undoubtedly owed his life to Mr. McCaffrey and Mr. Armitage.