A PLUCKY RESCUE.
SWEPT AWAY BY CURRENT. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWN ING. (Per United Press Association.) TE AWAMUTU, February 1. A double drowning fatality was narrowly averted in the Waipa River this afternoon. Eric Bell and Harry West were fishing about a mile above Pirongia. West, who was unable to swim, endeavoured to cross the stream, but was carried away by the strong current, ana was soon in difficulties. Bell, fully clothed, plunged after him, grabbing him when he was rising to the surface. Both were carried to the rapids and were swept a few chains to a deep hole, whcie both sank, but on rising Bell grabbed a willow branch. While holding the branch West slipped from his grasp and was carried down the stream. Bell again plunged after him, finally succeeding m holding him by the hair with one hand while he worked his way along a log with the other hand. West was unconscious when reaching the shore, md Bell was exhausted. The mishap occurred in a lonely place, and was not witnessed, nor was there any help at hand. After resting the men managed to struggle back to Pirongia.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 20322, 2 February 1928, Page 7
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193A PLUCKY RESCUE. Otago Daily Times, Issue 20322, 2 February 1928, Page 7
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