BOAT ACCIDENT AT NAPIER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1289, 13 January 1885, Page 3

BOAT ACCIDENT AT NAPIER.

A narrow escape from a fatal accident occurred at Napier on Saturday. A bort belonging to the ship Waitaugi, which had made an ineffectual attempt previously to get out against a heavy flood tide, was taken in tow by the Sir Donald. When just off the end of tho Western Pier, tho steamer, caught on the bow by the tide, suddenly slewed round to the eastward ; this brought the boat broadside on, and capsized her, her crew of five (including Captain Leemau of the Waitangi) being precipitated into the surging current. Two of the men began swimming in the direction of the /‘lron Pot,” and those on board the Sir Donald devoted their attention to saving the otherthreemen ; one of whom, the steward, could not swim. Leeman, fully dressed and with his pipe in mouth, just as he was sitting when the accident occurred, immediately made for the steward and supported him. Help soon arrived, however, as the accident had been observed from the shore, and the pilot boat, in charge Mr Provis, of H.M. Customs, and a surf boat, in charge of Mr H. Craft, put off at once to rescue the men. The two men swimming were first met with, but they professed to be all right, aud asked the boat’s crew to look after the steward. In a short time the whole of the men in the

water were rescued, the steward undoubtedly owing his life to tho bravery and coolness of Captain Leeman,