THE PORT TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1921, Page 4

THE PORT TRAGEDY.

heroism OF THE SURVIVOR. QUESTION OF RECOGNITION. In connection with the port tragedy on Sunday at New Plymouth, the coroner (Mr. H. W. Bundle, S.M.) remarked at the inquest that it was unfortunate no one from the shore was able to notice the work of Mr. R. L. Deekin (the third officer of the Easterner), who appeared to have displayed notable heroism in trying to save his companions. The likelihood that Mr. Deskin’s courageous acts on this occasion are liable to be overlooked for the want of corroboration of his story has been the subject of inquiry by some who are interested in the case, and it is felt in many quarters that supporting evidence, of even a partial nature, while not adduced at the inquest would be forthcoming, and that this is a case for the Royal Humane Society to take up. Witnesses of the accident from higher ground than the beach state that on two occasions they saw five people hanging on the boat, then three, and then five again. This would coincide with the portion of Deskin’s narrative in which he relates that on one occasion Butler was washed off and he swam out and brought him back. Enquiries made by a Daily News reporter indicate that the initiative remains with any individuals interested, and in such cases as this evidence has to be collected and placed before the Royal Humane Society in order that the circumstances ihhy be investigated by that body.

Mr. Gordon Fraser, who witnessed the tragedy, writes to the editor as follows:

Sir, —In your account of the inquest on the victims of the recent unfortunate boating disaster) you report the coroner as saying that it was unfortunate chat Mr. Deskin’s action was not visible to any of the onlookers. While the heavy break on the reef precluded accurate observation from the shore, it should be recorded that some of those on a higher level than the beach, but almost directly opposite the scene of the accident, noted that just after the boat capsized it was sighted with one man on, then two, then three and then five. A little later the number was reduced to three, but again five were seen, one of whom appeared to be lying down. These observations, corroborating as they do Mr. Deskin’s story in some particulars, should, I think, be published in the hope that his gallant conduct will be recognised.