Bert G. Bagley, 47, assistant superintendent of a grain elevator, died attempting to save Carol R. Veach, 15, from drowning, Long Beach, Washington, June 24, 1956. Miss Veach, a poor swimmer, was surf-bathing with a group of girls under the supervision of a woman who was a good swimmer when they were caught in a five-foot breaker and submerged briefly 175 feet from shore in water five feet deep between waves. Despite a strong undercurrent, all of the girls succeeded in reaching safety except the woman’s daughter and Miss Veach, who began flailing her arms wildly. Although fully dressed, Bagley immediately waded 75 feet from the beach to the woman, who urged him to call the Coast Guard and then started swimming toward the girls. Bagley waded 50 feet toward the beach and then turned back and advanced 125 feet in the direction of Miss Veach. The other girl and her mother reached shore safely with the aid of three men. Bagley last was seen within 200 feet of Miss Veach, who by then had been carried 450 feet from shore. The Coast Guard arrived and launched a boat but could not locate Miss Veach and Bagley. Their bodies were washed ashore 13 days later. 43890-4071
43890 – 4071
43890-4071