PATHETIC DROWNING FATALITY

Shannon News, 15 February 1927, Page 4

PATHETIC DROWNING FATALITY

NEAR RANGITHCEI HEADS. DOUBLE TRAGEDY NARROWLY AVERTED. , Moana-roa, a new seaside settlement, situated near the Rangitikei Heads, was the scene of a distressing drowning fatality yesterday afternoon, the victim being a youth of seventeen, named Ernest James Brightwell. The lad sank before the eyes of a large crowd, which included his dis* tracted parents, frantic efforts to effect a rescue proving unavailing. Miss Brightwell, who accompanied her brother, also got into difficulties, but was assisted to Safety in a distressed condition. When the tide was receding at about three o'clock, brother and sister proceeded to enjoy the surf, but it was not long before they were both noticed to be in difficulties a short distance from the shore. Frantic Efforts At Rescue. The alarm was immediately raised, but, before assistance could be- procured, the treacherous tide had carried them northwards and away from the shore. A large crowd collected, and a life-lino was secufed from the Kiosk a short distance away. It was quickly manned, and one swimmer made a gallant attempt to reach young Brightwell, but had to givo up before reaching him. Fortunately, however, the girl, who was well-nigh exhausted, drifted in the direction of the "beltman," and was eventually assisted to safety where resuscitation measures were employed with success. Meanwhile, the frantic parents made an appeal to bystanders to go out to the boy, who was now about two hundred yards out. Response was quickly forthcoming from a young man named Barker, of Marton Junction, who entered the water fully clothed, but was unable to reach the victim, who sank before the eyes of the horrified crowd. As far as could bo ascertained last evening ,the body has not yet been recovered. The father of the deceased, Mr. H. J. Brightwell, is a well known and respected farmer, who resides near Bulls. Site Of The Tragedy. Moana-roa is a seaside settlement, little known, but which is fast'becoming popular. It was purchased a short time ago by the chairman of the Bulls Town Board and presented to the township. Now being under the control of the Bulls Domain Board, the settlement was officially opened the previous Sunday, and it is regrettable that the attractions it holds should bo marred by a pathetic incident only a week later.