DOUBLE DROWNING FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1202, 31 January 1914, Page 3

DOUBLE DROWNING FATALITY.

SWEPT FROM A LAUNCH. YOUNG EADY AND RESCUER PERISH. Auckland, Jan. 30. A party of nine young people, including four ladies, was returning in a motor launch from a trip in the Gulf, when they encountered a heavy sea off Takapuna beach. The launch shipped a big wave, and Roy Bevins and Miss Myrtle Rowan were washed overboard. The launch was stopped, and W. Good and Robert Gordon dived overboard, Bevins was got aboard, but Miss Rowan and Gordon were drowned. The launch cruised around for a long time, searching in the dark, without success. Miss Mary Rowan, sister of the girl lost, had a severe attack of hysteria consequent upon the tragedy, and her condition is causing anxiety. Gordon was 24 years of age, and the sou of Mr Samuel Gordon, contractor. Miss Rowan was aged 18 years, and was the daughter of Mr R. Rowan, agricultural inspector. Both resided in Mt. Eden borough. The launch party consisted oi Myrtle Rowan. Mary Rowan, Hazel Taylor (Takapuna), Alice Gray (Northcotel, Messrs B. Cowley (Ponsonby), Ray Bevins, Robert Gordon, W. &ood, Rickards, Noel Cole and Robert Cole. When opposite Lake Takapuna the launch was tossing about considerably, aud three ladies, vyho were seasick, went below, leaving Myrtle Rowan, Bevins aud Gordon on top of the cabin. It started to rain heavily, and Gordon went into shelter, Bevins arranging a tarpaulin to shelter Miss Rowan aud himself. A big sea came on board, and the launch gave a lurch. Miss Rowan and Bevins went overboard very suddenly. While Bevins supported Miss Rowan in the water, the launch was brought about. When the launch was near them, W. Good and Robert . Gordon, the latter carrying a line, dived overboard. Rain was still falling, and a heavy sea was running. “They both came alongside of us,” said Bevins in his statement to the police last night. Gordon said, “ Alright I have got a rope.” “ I don’t remember anything more until I found myself lying on the floor of the launch•” Good said, “The boat ranged alongside of us, and Gordon came alongside ot the girl. As far as I know he was trying to tie the rope around her- when Bevis aud myself were pulled aboard by others on the boat. Miss Rowan aud Gordon were carried away out of our sight. We had a dinghy strapped on board, and the strap was untied and the dinghy lowered, but she was carried away by the sea.”