George H. J. Collins, 15, laborer, died attempting to save F. Edward Johnson, 34, shoe cutter, from drowning, Gloucester, Massachusetts, July 10, 1914. Johnson stood on a flat rock at the water’s edge and fished at a time when waves swept in from the Atlantic Ocean and dashed against the rocks with great force. The waves surged back with a strong suction and heavy undertow, and conditions were exceptionally dangerous. A wave swept Johnson from his feet, and he was carried from shore. Companions on shore shouted an alarm, and George ran to the scene. Johnson’s companions did not offer to go to the rescue, but George, a stranger, immediately took off his shoes and swam 35 feet to Johnson. He grasped Johnson and attempted to swim to shore with him, but the task was too difficult. The end of a rope was thrown toward George. It fell short, and before it could be thrown again, he sank and was drowned. Johnson also was drowned. 13325-965
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