SEAMAN SAVES WOMAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 20 October 1942, Page 1

SEAMAN SAVES WOMAN

DIVES IN THOUGH UNABLE TO SWIM Melbourne, Sept. 23. Diving fully clad into the sea at the end of St. Kilda pier early yesterday, Cecil Norman Spencer, Australian merchant seaman, who could not swim, rescued from drowning Miss Mavis Hotmer, 27, of Peter street. South Yana, who had fallen from the pier. Spencer was sitting alone near the end of the pier about 2.15 a.m. when he heard a splash and a scream. Running to the end of the pier, he saw Miss Hotmer struggling in the water. Jumping into the water. Spencer seized Miss Hotmer and kept her head above water with one hand, and kept himself afloat with the other hand by grasping a pile of the pier. A woman who was on the pier with a U.S. soldier telephoned the police. A patrol car arrived within a few minutes and Const. William Crowley dived into the water. He supported Miss Hotmer and Spencer until other police obtained a rope and hauled the three to the pier. Miss Hotmer was then unconscious. Spencer suffering from cramp, and Const. Crowley had developed a chill.. Const. Ken Dorey and Miss Morus, a V.A.D. who had come to the scene, revived Miss Hotmer after 20 minutes' resuscitation treatment. She was taken to Alfred Hospital, where she was admitted suffering from shock and immersion. Spencer was also taken to hospital, and after being detained for seven hours he was taken back to his ship.

In his report to Mr Duncan. Police Commissioner. Sen-const. Murphy, patrol leader, praised Spencer's bravery. and the part played by Const. Crowley. It is likely that Spencer's act of gallantry will be brought under the notice of the Royal Humane Society.