IN HEAVY SEAS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 254, 26 October 1937, Page 8

IN HEAVY SEAS

SURF CLUB MEMBERS’ PREDICAMENT [ Per Press Association. ] AUCKLAND, Oct. 25. Clinging to an overturned surf boat until its steady drift with a strong tidal set compelled them to swim to a cleft in the rocks, live members of the Piha Surf Life-Sav-ing Club were placed in a precarious plight this afternoon. Except for a few minor abrasions suffered when they were buffeted against the rocks, they escaped unhurt after spending an hour in the waler. With the well-known Auckland representative Rugby forward, T. H. Pearce, as captain, the boat was manned by a crew of live. A heavy sea was running, and after undertaking training beyond the surf line about half a mile from the beach it was decided to return inshore. However, shortly after entering the breakers the craft overturned, and the crew was flung into the water. With the tide running out strongly, the boat was drawn towards Lion Rock and soon reached a position which made attempts to carry out a line by means of a beltman and then by surf skis unavailing. When about 25 yards off the rocks the men elected to abandon the boat, and after receiving a severe buffeting in the heavy surf they succeeded in reaching a safe cleft. One man, J. Oxspring, suffered slight lacerations to a hand when he was caught under some kelp. Strenuous effoits were made to recover the boat. However, it was not until the craft had moved under the influence of cross currents to the southern end of the beach that Pearce and C. J. Sidford succeeded in swimming out with a line. It was hauled in u ndamage d.