FALL FROM LAUNCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 11

FALL FROM LAUNCH

TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE TWO HOURS IN ICY WATER A tragedy was feared in Sydney the other day when an empty motor skiff was picked up outside the Heads. The engine was still running, and fishing gear and a hat inside indicated that it had been occupied. Shortly afterwards, Colonel Wilson, of Bondi, was rescued by the Harbour Trust fireiloat Pluvius, after he had been in the water for nearly two hours. Early in the afternoon Colonel Wilson, who is a keen fisherman, left Uushcutter Bay and proceeded outside the Heads. Shortly after 2 o'clock he was casting some lines out when he lost j liis balance in the heavy swell and fell overboard. The engine of the lauuch was still running, and, although he nvam frantically after it, ho was unable to catch up to it. He remained afloat for some time, endeavouring to attract attention, and at ono stago a launch passed within 100 yds. without hearing liis cries. Gradually the immersion in the icy water commenced to affect the unfortunate man, and ho suffered severely from cramp. After an hour in the water he could only remain afloat with tlio utmost difficulty, and had almost given up hope of rescue. Toward -1 o'clock, Colonel Wilson said later, ho was. in despair. In his weakened state ho sank beneath the surface several times. At that hour the Pluvius was leaving the harbour with a dredge in tow. The swimmer was sighted by a member of the crew, and the master, Captain G. Parker, went to his assistance. When rescued Colonel Wilson was in a very bad state from the effects of his long immersion, but by the time ho was landed at Double Bay he had almost recovered. lie had been in the habit of making fishing expeditions outside the Heads, generally with a companion, but he was quite accustomed to handle the launch without assistance, and had anticipated no difficulty. The heavy swell had been the cause of the accident. The crew of the Pluvius considered that Colonel Wilson had been very fortunate to have escaped alive, as the waters in the region of the. Heads are infested by sharks, The launch, which is a lljft. motorskill', owned by ;i KushcutXer Hay boat, proprietor, was picked up by some men in another launch before Colonel Wilson was rescued.