MAN FELL FROM RIVER STEAMER

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31002, 7 March 1966, Page 16

MAN FELL FROM RIVER STEAMER

(New Zealand Press Association) WANGANUI, March 6. A midnight cruise nearlj’- ended in tragedy last night when the Wanganui river steamer Ongarue lost a passenger, a nonswimmer, overboard.

The passenger, Clifford Cronin, aged 30. single, of Wanganui, was rescued by two friends and revived after 30 minutes of artificial respiration. He was rushed by ambulance to Wanganui Hospital, where his condition tonight was reported to be comfortable.

While Mr Cronin’s friends jumped to his aid. the steamer slowed and swung about, striking a glancing blow to a central pier of the Aramoho railway bridge. The mishap occurred about 10.15 p.m., half an hour after the Ongarue set off for a cruise with about 20 people. The boat was in mid-river near the Aramoho bridge when Mr Cronin leant against a door to the saloon. It swung open, pitching him into th Mr"p te E. McGonigle, of Fitzherbert avenue, immediately leapt over the side to his rescue. He was followed by Mr F. E. B. Raines, who saw the two in difficulties. Eager hands hauled them on to the boat, which made for the nearby landing pontoon of the Aramoho Boating Club. The cruise was cancelled, and the steamer returned to its base.