MISHAP AT REGATTA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22259, 11 May 1934, Page 16

MISHAP AT REGATTA

LAUNCH DECK COLLAPSES FORTY PEOPLE IN THE WATER. A sensational accident marked the Great Public Schools' recent regatta on the Parramatta River, says a Sydney newspaper, when about 40 passengers, mostly women and- girls, on the large launch Azile, were plunged into the water, following the collapse of the top deck. Broken and twisted timbers seriously hampered rescue operations, but all those who had been submerged were eventually taken from the water. Spectators in other launehos, although some of them had at first been inclined to treat the plight of the victims with hilarity, soon lent a hand in the rescue. Youths and men dived fully clothed into the river to the assistance of non-swimmers. Thirty-six persons were later treated at a hospital, mainly for the effects of submersion and shock. There were about ISO passengers on board the Azilo, and a large number of them had clambered on to the top deck to obtain a better view of the race finishes. Suddenly the deck collapsed under the strain, and the occupants wore plunged into the water in a confusion of broken timber. Many willing rescuers at once dived t.i tin assistance of the struggling victims. The police launch Cub, with two constables in charge, did excellent work, and conveyed about 25 victims to the Cnbarita wharf. Others were convey' d to the shore by private craft. _ That there were not many more serious accidents at the regatta was remarkable. Even more remarkable was the escape from accidents of youths and boys who paddled canoes through waters lashed into foam by a biting wind and by speed boats. It was obvious that there would bo , trouble among the crowded boats on such j a day, when, in the process of mooring. I anchors dragged and vessels drifted, narrowly avoiding one another when th(y | did actually clash. It was an extremely anxious day for the masters of the ferries | and other craft with their vast human J freights. i