THRILLING RESCUE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 30, 5 February 1935, Page 8

THRILLING RESCUE

SEAPLANE SAVES WOMAN CARRIED OUT FROM BEACH SURF CLUB'S LINES SHORT. ( P«r Press Association ). AUCKLAND, Feb. I. A rescue without precedent, in New Zealand was witnessed at Karekare, one of the popular West Coast beaches, yesterday afternoon when Hazel Bentham, aged 30, swept beyond the reach of lifelines, was taken from the water by a Fairvv seaplane piloted by Flight-Lieutenant fcj. \\ allingio:d. She was caught in lhe undertow al about 2.13. A lifeline was run out, but. though 300 yards long it. proved 100 short. A message was then scut to the J’iha Life Saving Club, six miles away over the hill, and a team of four with another line arrived by truck. Meanwhile the woman had wisely realised that it was impossible lo struggle back to the shore against <the ebb tide, and used her energy to keep afloat. A second line also, though 140yds long, proved too short and the two lines were then joined, bul the bellman could not make a direct approach and with the turn of lhe tide lie was in danger ol being swept on lo rocks. He therefore signalled lo be brought ashore, and was pulled in exhausted. There was no boat on the bea< h, and as a last resource a telephone message was sent to Hubson xilie air base. There was only a skeleton staff on duly, but the commander, iSquadronLeader L. AL Isitt, eventually got a seaplane launched with I'light-Lieut. Wa 11 i n gfo rd an d 1 a-ad in g Ai re raftsman J. Palmer. Squadron-Leader Isitt himself followed in a Gipsy Moth. Lieut. Wallingford brought the machine down clear of the breakers and then 'taxied il in to the woman, who was floating about 300 yards from lhe shore. A ircraftsmaa Palniei climbed down on one float and dropped a line which lhe woman was able to seize. Lieut. Wallingford also climbed down and helped Aliss Bentham on to lhe float, it was apparent that she was in a parlous state, and despite lhe danger to the ’plane artificial respiration was begun immediately and continued for some time. The 'plane was then taxied mil to calmer water, and the woman placed in the cabin and flown to HobsonviHe, when she was treated by a doctor and removed to hospital. Bhe is recovering. A tribute was paid by the specta tors not only to tlie Air Force men's feat, but to the, persistent efforts ol the surf club men, notably Messrs. A. L. Sutton, »S. Turner, and C. R. Holt. Air. Holt, despite one attack, of cramp, went out again with a line while the seaplane was on its xxay to Karekare. Squadron-Leader Isitt remarked that it was fortunate that the wind was off the land and the sea smooth enough for the seaplane to land and take off. BODY RECOVERED LEVIN, Feb. 4. The. body of Colin .Dawson, who was drowned on the AVaitaicre Beach on 'Thursday, was recovered yesterday afternoon in the breakers in close proximity lo the place where he disappeared..