Ernest F. Davis, 64, fisherman, saved Robert W. Lane, 17, schoolboy, from drowning, Fishers Island, New York, August 20, 1928. While Robert and Davis were alone in a moving motorboat, engaged in setting lobster pots in Long Island Sound, a line looped around Robert’s neck, and he was jerked overboard by the weight of three lobster pots on the line. The water was 200 feet deep. Davis, who wore high rubber boots in addition to heavy clothing and who had not swum for 20 years, grabbed a knife and jumped from the boat, reaching Robert just under the surface. Davis, while submerged, cut the line between Robert and the boat and then reached around Robert’s neck and cut it between him and the lobster pots. Both rose to the surface, and Robert swam a few feet, intercepted the boat as it was running in a circle, and climbed on board. Davis maintained himself with great effort until the boat was brought to him by Robert, who helped him get aboard. He was about exhausted. 28714-2331
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