DROWNING ACCIDENT.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 27, 9 April 1918, Page 3

DROWNING ACCIDENT.

FOUR LIVES LOST.

AUCKLAND, April 7. A harbour accident involving the loss of four lives occurred near North Head at about 7.15 last evening. Those drowned were K. Sutherland, boatbuilder, Devonport, aged 24 years; •Ernest Skinner, 11 years; Jack Skinner, 9 years; and David Skinner, 6 years, whose parents reside in Domain street, Devpnport. A boy named Christian Hellesoi, aged 12, was saved. The five were in a small dinghy, fishing well out in the channel when the steamer Glenclg, towing a scow, coming into harbour, passed close by them. Those on the steamer shouted a warning to look out for the tow-rope, but the boat's anchor had just been weighted, and wind and tide carried the dinghy on to the rope, which, catching the mast, canted it over. Before the • dinghy could be extricated the scow crashed on to it, capsizing it. The steamer and the scow each threw out lifebuoys, and each lowered a boat. Hellesoi was rescued, but no trace was found of the others. It is stated that those on the dinghy were grouped about a lamp on board, cutting up bait, and this obscured the light. The bodies have not yet been recovered.