Matthew M. Donovick, 16, schoolboy, attempted to save Daniel F. Koenig, 17, from drowning, Westport, Washington, July 1, 1965. Koenig fell from his surfboard into water eight feet deep in the Pacific Ocean between waves four feet high 180 feet from shore. He was submerged briefly and then only the top of his head was visible. Donovick waded and swam to Koenig, reaching him 200 feet from shore after having been submerged briefly by a large wave. Koenig grasped Donovick and tried to climb onto him, forcing them under water briefly. Donovick was unable to free himself from Koenig and swallowed some water when they twice were submerged. Under water Koenig released his hold on Donovick, who surfaced with effort. Koenig remained submerged. Too tired and winded to dive to look for Koenig, Donovick trod water as long as he could. When Koenig did not return to the surface, Donovick swam feebly toward shore, experiencing difficulty because of the waves and a noticeable undertow. A man swam to near Donovick and called encouragement. They reached wadable water, where Donovick collapsed. Others removed him from the water and revived him. He was hospitalized and recovered. Koenig’s body was recovered a month later.
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