MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3684, 30 August 1927, Page 2

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

THREE MEN CAUGHT IN FISHING NET. Auckland, August 29. Three men had a miraculous escape from drowning on Muriwai Beach. They were Messrs Tibby, Hilton, and Richards, of Waimauku. They were fishing with a net above the creek on the Muriwai Beach yesterday afternoon. The net had just been laid, Mr. Hilton being at the end farthest from the shore. Three large waves in succession swept Mr. Hilton off his feet and Mr. Tibby let go the net to go to Mr. Hilton’s assistance, with the result that all three men lost their foothold. The net then became entangled round Mr. Hilton, but luckily Mr. Bert Fletcher, of Waimauku, rode on to the beach at that moment, and he immediately went to the rescue. He reached Mr. Tibby and brought him safely into shallow water. Mi 1 . Fletcher next rode to Mr. Hilton. The horse was swept off its feet, but recovered its foo'thold, and Mr. Fletcher reached Mr. Hilton as the latter became unconscious and brought him to the beach. He then returned for Mr. Richards, and by the time the last man had been brought in, half an hour had elapsed since the accident occurred. Mr. Hilton was the only one who could swim, but, entangled in the net, he was helpless. Great praise is due to Mr. Fletcher, a well-known athlete and representative footballer, for his great effort. As Mr. Tibby stated, the three men would, without doubt, have lost their lives but for Mr. Fletcher’s gallant rescue. Dr. Harris, of Kumeu, attended to Mr. Hilton this morning, and he is progressing favourably.