SURF TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1929, Page 1

SURF TRAGEDY

THREE LIVES LOST. (By Telegraph—Press Association). TE KUITI, January 19. A tragic drowning accident occurred at Marokopa, a small hay at the Hariliari estate, as the result of the overturning of a surf boat, John Riddell, aged 45, a farmer, oif Marokopa, and two natives, Ru Bey and Charlie Maikuku, being drowned. A. party of seven went out just before sunset last evening to try out a surf boat, with the object of surfing at daybreak to-day. 'Flic boat was successful in negotiating the first line of breakers, and was reaching the second line when an exceptionally heavy wave swamped the boat. The boat overturned. The men hung on to the boat if or some time, but when the next breaker rolled in, Riddell was not amongst the party. Throe others of the party, with Maikuku, attempted to swim ashore. Three successfully landed, but Maikuku apparently became separated, and was lost . sight of by the other swimmers. M.aikukifs body was washed up later. Ihe other two. Ru Pey and Potahi, stayed on the upturned boat, and it is concluded that they drifted outwards. They decided to attempt to swim ashore, and while doing so Ru Bey said to Po.tai, “ T can go no further. 1 am done.” Potai replied. 11 I can’t help you. 1 am the same.” Potai then lost sight of i>u. Bey in the waves. Potai luckily struck the steer oar ol the sunt boat and \\ith it was successful in reaching theshoie. Natives are searching for the two missing bodies, and the local police have gone to their assistance. Riddell was a married man, with no family. He was very well known in tlie district. Both the natives voic married men, with large families.