SAVED FROM DROWNING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20311, 20 January 1928, Page 8

SAVED FROM DROWNING.

GIRL CAUGHT IN UNDERTOW. THRILLING RESCUE EFFECTED. (Special xo Da'lx Times.) AUCKLAND, January 10. A thrilling rescue in the surf occurred at Milford late yesterday afternoon when the efforts of three men saved a young girl from drowning. Unusually high seas, a fast-receding tide, and treacherous currents increased the risks of the rescuers, who battled desperately to roach the side of the unconscious girl. While surfing in the breakers at the Castor Bay end of the beach Miss Maisey Purvis, aged about 18, who is residing with Mrs Burt, Seaview road, Milford, during a holiday in Auckland, was caught In the strong undertow, which swept her swiftly out to sea. Her endeavours to save herself were futile, and within a few minutes she was washed 300 yards from the nearest bather. Scores of men and women were bathing at the time, and when the girl’s plight was noticed the alarm was immediately given. With commendable promptness two senior members of the Milford Life-sav-ing Club, Messrs Colin Bacon and Thomas Hillicker, both of East Lake road, Milford, who were patrolling the area, raced along the sands to a point opposite Miss Purvis, who soon disappeared. Mr Hillicker dashed into the surf and swam to the spot where the girl was last seen, and Mr Bacon ran to the surf -shed for the lifebelt and reel. The rough sea, the worst experienced at Milford for many months, made progress difficult for the daring rescuer, who only prevented himself from being carried away in the undercurrent by powerful over-arm strokes. The watchers on the shore saw the girl reappear only to throw wide her arms and sink again. Just as Mr Bacon arrived on the scone with three juvenile members of the club to operate the lifesaving reel Mr Herbert Warbrick, of Milford, waded into the sea fully clothed, and swam out to Mr Hillicker. Excitement ran high when Miss Purvis was seen again above the waves, and was grasped by Mr Hillicker. Although burdened by his water-logged attire, Mr Warbrick soon gained the side of the rescuer and rescued, and together the men kept the girl, who had by this time lost consciousness, afloat until the arrival of Mr Bacon, who bore the towlinc which had been fully extended. Willing hands pulled readily at the line, and within a few minutes all four were ashore. Steps were taken for the resuscitation of Miss Purvis, who was still unconscious. She was wrapper, in blankets, and kept warm until the arrival of a doctor. Half an hour elapsed before she regained consciousness. She was then motored to the home of Mrs Burt by the captain of the Surf Club, Unstinted praise is due to the members of the Surf Club, whose prompt action averted a fatality. It is considered that the incident was due to the heavy seas. “ it was the worst tide I have seen for many months,” said D. M. Ford, beach inspector, employed by the Takapuna Borough Council. ‘The currents were so swift that it was dangerous for the strongest swimmer to venture far fiom the shore.”