“MAN OVERBOARD.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19249, 13 August 1924, Page 7

“MAN OVERBOARD.”

Incident at cross wharf., STEWARD'S PLUCKY ACTION.! The departure of the Union Steam Sbi] Company’s intercolonial passenger steam© Moeraki for Bluff and Melbourne yester day afternoon was marked by an ante hearsed incident that caused no littl excitement amongst the large crowd whig) had gathered on the cross wharf to bh good-bye to friends and relatives. The vessel had just cast off, when r J man apparently a fireman or ■ a seamai belonging to the vessel’s complement, wts had arrived too late to board the ship had his hat knocked into the water. H calmly let himself down from the ©dg! of the wharf and endeavoured to retriev his hat, which Lad floated close to tn side of the vessel, now slowly veennj round in the steamer basin. It was soon seen that the man 'wit an indifferent swimmer, and he rapidl; got' into difficulties, and* in fact, ha< sunk once, when a steward, who wa fully dressed, sprang over the side froß the main deck and swam to render assist ancc. He speedily overhauled the etrpg gling man and assisted him to a jncarbj pile to which he clung. Meanwhile : rope ladder had been dropped over th< vessel’s side and the steward swam to it and caught hold of the lower rung through which he thrust on© leg, DU was unable to climb any higher as th« sudden immersion in the cold water am the swim while fully clad had parti] exhausted him. He was soon hauled oi deck, and both passengers and onlooker) cheered him heartily in appreciation O his plucky action. ; One of the Harbour Board launchef which assist in the berthing of steamers then picked up the fireman and rescue* his valued hat. Hie launch conveye* him to the vessel’s side and he climbei the rope-ladder without difficulty, a thin man following with the precious head' gear. The passenpers and spectators again cheered heartily, and the vessel ’pro< ceeded on her way.