A BRAVE OFFICER.

Shannon News, 23 September 1921, Page 3

A BRAVE OFFICER.

Deskin, the sole survivor of the New Plymouth tragedy, speaking to a Daily News reporter regarding Ins experiences, said that he' was ordered to take the boat ashore tor the purpose of landing Butler and Piper, who had business regarding the ship's cargo to attend to in New Plymouth. The boat, a frail craft about 15ft long, put out in a dangerously rough sea, carrying a small sail and three oars, and having on board the necessary appliances to guard the safety of the crew, such as life-preservers and life-belts. From the Easterner the sea aid not appear so rough as it looked from the shore. It soon became apparent that the boat could not survive the tremendous seas, but the real difficulty began when the rudder was carried away. Deskin decided to return to the ship, but this was impossible with no rudder and an unfavourable wind. He then tried to run before the breakers, and thus reach the but the boat turned broadside on and was overturned, precipitating the crew into the water. All five managed to gain a hold of the boat, to right it, and climb on board again. The boat, however, had by this time drifted into the breakers near the jagged rocks, and was unmercifully tumbled about by the waves. Butler was washed overboard and carried some distance away, and, in spite of remonstrances from the other members of the crew, Deskin swain out to his assistance and Brought him back to the boat. Deskin then lasred piper, who could not swim, to the boat, and hardly was this task completed when Butler was again washed away about 30yds. Taking off his shoes, Deskin again swam out to Butler’s assistance, and brought him back to the boat. But the gallant officer’s efforts were to be unrewarded, as for a third time Butler was carried away by a huge breaker. Heedless of the great risk he ran, Deskin again left the boat to help Butler, but this time it w'as beyond his power to assist the exhausted man, “who,” said Deskin, “w r as black in the face and done.” Butler disappeared in the surf and 'was not seen again by the officer. Deskin found himself in grave difficulties, beihg unable to make his way back to the boat. When the end

seemed to be near Deskin was saved by a drifting life-preserver passing within his reach.. Seizing this last chance, he kept himself afloat, and eventually drifted on to the rocks, where help w r as forthcoming from' the large crowd that had gathered on the beach.