ORDEAL IN SEA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23011, 12 April 1938, Page 10

ORDEAL IN SEA

CAPSIZE OF A BOAT OCCUPANT'S LONG SWIM WASHED ASHORE EXHAUSTED LIFE-LINE SAVES COMPANION [BV TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANGAREI, Monday A remarkable escape from drowning occurred at Waipu Cove on Sunday evening, when Mr. K. Hodgson, of Whangarei, was washed ashore after being in the water for three-quarters of an hour following the capsize of a dinghy of which he was an occupant with Mr. S. Evans, also of Whangarei. : Mr. Hodgson had come from Waipu in a 12ft. dinghy equipped with an outboard motor. On arrival at the cove the men endeavoured to beach the craft. A heavy sea was running. The boat swung broadside on to a large wave and capsized, throwing the-two men into the water. After struggling for about 15 minutes Mr. Evans was brought ashore with the aid of a life-line, which swimmers from the beach were able to run out. However, it was not possible to reach Mr. Hodgson with the line, and an. attempt was made to launch tha dinghy, which had been washed ashore in the meantime. This attempt was not successful, as the boat again capsized j and the would-be rescuer had to be j helped back to the beach. I Mr. Hodgson was eventually washed I ashore, and, although he bad retained j consciousness during his lopg ordeal, I he collapsed on reaching the beach. He was taken to the Whangarei Hoa- ! pital. His condition is reported to-night | to be not serious.