RESCUED FROM DROWNING

Southland Times, Issue 24112, 29 April 1940, Page 8

RESCUED FROM DROWNING

FISHERMAN’S BOAT CAPSIZES COURAGEOUS ACTION OF LAUNCH OWNER (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 28. At the risk of his life and under the most arduous conditions, Alueit Fishburn, a young man residing at the Esplanade, Petone, rescued an elderly man, Albert Biddle, who had been clinging to a capsized row-boat in the harbour 600 yards offshore from Petone for an hour. Biddle went fishing early in the morning when conditions were favourable, but the wind suddenly changed to the south and assumed gale force. The row-boat was capsized. Biddle’s danger was seen from the shore and with some assistance Fishburn launched his dinghy to put out for his launch, which was anchored some distance off the shore. The dinghy was twice capsized and righted before Fishburn reached the launch. Then he had an exceedingly difficult job in reaching Biddle, having to tack about to weather the heavy seas. At this time the wind was reaching a force of more than 40 miles an hour and approaching 50 in gusts. When he eventually reached Biddle, Fishburn had a hard job getting him aboard, as his sea-soaked clothes made him heavy to handle and he was not able to assist himself much, being exhausted afterlong exposure in the ice-cold waters. In addition Fishburn had to manage his launch so that it was not capsized by any sudden rush of waves. With Biddle aboard the launch the rescue was still not shed of anxiety. It was too rough to make the shore and Fishburn had to attempt a landing at Somes Island. This was accomplished and willing hands assisted in the mooring of the launch. A hot bath, rum and warm blankets were provided and Biddle was soon sleeping soundly, apparently little the worse. Both men had to stay the night at the island because of the continued rough state of the weather. Fishburn has established for himself an outstanding reputation in rescue work, he and others of his family having been associated in numerous successful ventures of this kind off Petone foreshore.