DROWNED IN SURF

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20129, 26 December 1939, Page 12

DROWNED IN SURF

YOUNG DUNEDIN MAN CANOE CAPSIZED CAUGHT BY TIDAL RIP 3 COMPANIONS SAVED , (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this clay. When a canvas beach canoe capsized in the surf at St. Hilda at 1 p.m. on Sunday, throwing the four occupants into the heavy surf, one, who was unable to swim, was caught by the tidal rip and drowned. The victim was:— George Charles Burns, aged 20, of 21 Jackson street, a steel sash-maker. His three companions, two of whom were swimmers, struggled ashore with the aid of a beach patrol. Mr. Burns and the three others, Messrs. Stanley Gordon, Arthur McIndoe, and Alfred Mackie, went to the beach at 10.45 a.m. and approached Mr. George Whitlow, who was on patrol duty, for a canoe. On being questioned, all are stated to have answered that they could swim, and a canoe was provided at their own risk. The party went out to While Island fishing, and all went well until they were returning shortly before 1 p.m. At this time there was a strong northwest wind and the surf was running high. When the canoe was between 100 and 200yds. out it was caught broadside on by a large wave and overturned, throwing the occupants out. Mr. Mackie saw Mr. Burns in difficulties and Mr. Mclndoe was trying to aid him, but he was unsuccessful. Mr. Whitlow noticed the boat overturn, and with other members of the St. Hilda Surf Club ran along the beach and gave what assistance they could, but they were unable to locate Mr. Burns, whose body has not yet been recovered.