MAN OVERBOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1933, Page 8

MAN OVERBOARD

NATIVE IN SEA FOR 21 HOURS.

SUVA, July 7

An example of the endurance of Papuan niitives was afforded in a case reported at Samarai. Anbaniel, who is a half-caste, set out in a small cutter in a rough isea with a native named Aukuka,. Aukuka was leaning over tile stern in order to secure a dinghy and overbalanced. Ho fell into the sea and disappeared. Anbnniel, unable to handle the cutter, ran before the wind, eventually striking a coral reef, from which lie waded to shore, reporting to the Roman Catholic priest on Sideia Island that Aukuka had been drowned.

Twenty-one hours after the mishap Aukuka, grasping oars, was washed ashore on Itou Island little the worse, except that lie had been temporarily blinded and his skin was hard from the effects of the salt water. He said tliati the tide carried him almost on Mavvaneuna Island and then turned * back, taking him toward the scene of tho accident. It then turned again, carrying him throughout the night toward Itou.

The sequel, is a. letter* received by the magistrate at Samarai from Anbaniel, offering to come to Samarai and make a statement, since the native neople are accusing him pf pushing Aukiika overhoard, hut official action is unlikely.