NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5706, 14 July 1879, Page 2

NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.

Two young men named Vivian and Grant had a very narrow escape from drowning yesterday afternoon in Evans Bay. They left the wharf in a small rowing boat, and did not take the precaution of carrying either a rudder or a small sail with them. One of the oars, unfortunately, got broken at a time when they were about half a mile from the shore, a strong current prevailing at the same period towards Somes Island. Having no rudder, the boat became totally unmanageable, and there appeared no other course open but to remain and let her drift, or boldly jump overboard. The latter alternative, after some little consultation, was adopted, the occupants previously divesting themselves of their clothing. As headway had to be made against the prevailing current, it was not an easy matter to reach the shore. As the two men got near, they were observed by an elderly woman, who had charge of a small cottage near the old hulk which Mr. Smith some time since converted into an oyster bed, and she cheered them on, telling them to swim a few more strokes, and that they would soon be safe. When, at length, they managed, in a very exhausted state, to swim ashore, the old lady behaved very kindly, and procured two suits of clothes for them, and so enabled them to reach town in the evening. The young men are travelling landscape photographers, and at present reside in one of Mr. Quin’s houses, in Dixon-street," near the Convent School. They have lost all their clothes, and some money and watches which they contained. Mr. Vivian tried to save his watch and some money, which he placed in his vest when leaving the boat, but after some time he was compelled to throw it away, as he found it was a g eat impediment. The boat also belonged to Messrs. Vivian and Grant, so that they have sustained a considerable loss, in addition to the danger through which they had to pass. Should any of our seafaring men pick up the boat, which has probably drifted in the direction of Somes Island, the owners will feel very much obliged if they will communicate with them.