BATHERS’ ORDEAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19978, 21 December 1926, Page 10

BATHERS’ ORDEAL.

FIGHT WITH CURRENT. FIVE MEN ENDANGERED. A TWO HOURS’ STRUGGLE. (Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, December 20. Caught by a treacherous current and swept out beyond the breakers almost a mile from the reach, five men struggled desperately for their lives at Muriwai beach yesterday afternoon. Almost 100 persons watched, helpless to assist, until, after two hours of anxious suspense, all five men safely reached the shore. One live-belt was tho only life-saving appliance available. About 1 o’clock, a swimmer came ashore and said his companion Jack Mead, of Khyber Pass, was in difficulties owing to the strong undertow. Mead was then a long way from the shore. Harry Dean, aged 22, of Devonport, and Leonard Williams, aged 26, of Morningside, went to tho rescue with a life-belt, but the rope attached to it was too short, and had to be released. After the rescuers had given Mead the life-belt they found themselves caught in the strong current. Realising that his son was in danger, H E. Williams, father of Leonard Williams, swam to give assistance, being accompanied by James Preston, of Mount ‘Albert. Another rope had been found and Mr Williams, who is a strong swimmer, tied this round his waist, while Mr Preston hold the other end. Swept off his feet by the breakers Mr Preston lost his grip of the rope, and both he and Mr Williams were carried out beyond the other swimmers. All the men were, fortunately, good swimmers, but they were badly pitched and tossed about by the smashing waves. They fought desperately and slowly made their way toward tbo beach and safety. Aided by the life-belt Meac luckily drifted out o. the course of the current. He was tho first to roach tho beach. He was followed by Dean, who was also helped by an eddy of the current. The next to reach the beach was L. Williams, who was followed by his father. Mr Preston was the last to reach safety. , . .. . , The watchers on the beach finally telephoned to the Auckland police, 35 miles awav. and the message was received at 2.63 ora' It was decided to send a rescue car immediately, and ropes and life-saving gear were obtained from the Auckland Har hour Board. The rough roads made fast travelling difficult, and it was almost b o’clock before the car reached Muriwai. B v that time the swimmers were sate. 'Severe comments were made by all at the beach regarding the fact that n with a mere 100 yards of rope was the only life-saving gear on Muriwai beach. Muriwai is one of the most popular resorts with motorists in and around Auckland ana during the summer months 300 or 4!W motorists camp there. Recognised as an extremely dangerous beach f° r , s ]T lln^ le u H is amazing that one life-belt should comprise the only hfe-saving WPl'gwßs available. It seems incredible that there should be no beat, nor oven a rope and reel. _______