YOUTH MAROONED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 12

YOUTH MAROONED

NIGHT ON AN ISLET CLAD IN BATHING SUIT RESCUE BY LAUNCH PARTY e f [I)V TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT] TAURANGA, Friday A night on Babbit Island, an uninhabited islet off Mount Maunganui, clad only in a bathing suit, was the unenviable experience of Henry Coleman, aged 18, a visitor from Wellington, who was marooned all last liigllt oil the island, and was rescued this morning.

At about four o'clock yesterday afternoon Coleman • swam across the passage, about 500 yds wide, between the mainland and the island. He found the swim very strenuous, the sea conditions- being decidedly unfavourable, and swallowed a considerable quantity' of water, and was almost exhausted by the time ho reached the rocks bordering the island. Coleman rested on the rocks for a time, and eventually landed on the island. He was very cold, and sheltered in a small cave, but, as the tide rose during the night, ho was forced to leave this shelter and to run up and down the beach to keep warm. Anxiety on Mainland

The failure of Coleman to return to tho place where he was staying caused much apprehension, and during the whole night people with torches searched the mainland beach. Soon after daylight Coleman was sighted on the island. The police at Tauranga were informed, and the Harbour Board's launch Beo. Sergeant Henderson, Constable Hodge, Captain A. Fletcher, Mr. A. Dickson and an assistant left with blankets and stimulants. On the way out the police party overtook a rowing boat with Messrs. K. Prior and T. Davies, who had set out for Babbit Island from the Mount, but the current and heavy swell were against them. Mr. Prior was taken aboard the Reo and Mr. Davies rowed back to the wharf.

Attempts to Swim Back Coleman had attempted twice early this morning to swim from the island to the mainland, but was beaten back each time by the heavy swell. Then those on shore arranged an improvised notice with the words "Help coming" in large letters. This was seen by Coleman, and was also observed by the launch party as they were proceeding to the island. When the launch reached Rabbit Island Captain Fletcher and Mr. Prior put off in tho dinghy and brought Coleman to tho launch. Stinmlants, food and clothing were supplied by the police and Coleman was shortly afterward landed at the Pilot Bay wharf at tho Mount, nono tho worse for his experience.