FIGHT WITH THE WAVES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 18, 22 January 1935, Page 10

FIGHT WITH THE WAVES

TWO GALLANT SONS. FATHER RESCUED FROM SEA. A Mr. Joel, aged 60, resident of Bexley, New South Wales, had a remarkable escape from drowning lately when he was washed off the rocks while fishing, his rescue being marked by the gallantry of his two sons, one of whom ivas injured. Life-savers applied resuscitation methods for 2A hours before Mr. Joel fully revived. Mr. Joel was fishing off rocks south of Killcare Beach with his two sons, Sydney and George Joel, a son-in-law and friends, when a huge wave swept over him and washed him off the rocks. George Joel went to his rescue, but he was dashed under a ledge of rock, and was terribly lacerated. He had to be helped to safety. Mr. Joel became entangled in his fishing line, and a current began to carry him away. The plight of Mr. Joel was desperate when his son Sydney undressed and plunged into the surging waves. The son seized his unconscious father and, with the aid of the son-in-law, lifted him, after a great struggle, on to the rocks. The rescuers were too exhausted to give Mr. Joel any further assistance. Meanwhile the alarm had been raised and three members of the Killcare Lifesaving Club ran 500 yards across dangerous rocks. When they reached the Joels, the father was still unconscious. Mr. George Melville applied resuscitation methods and slightly revived the patient, who was then carried to the casualty room of the Surf Club. Artificial respiration was continued for 21 hours before Mr. Joel was out of danger.