Four United States tourists narrowly escaped losing their lives on Thursday afternoon, August 20th, one quarter of a mile off the shore of Big Island when their skiff in which they were fishing capsized. Two were going down for the last time when rescued.

Dr. Findlay, Mr. Page, Mr. Johnson, and another man were out in the skiff with a fresh wind blowing. Suddenly their craft capsized and the four were thrown into the water. Their cries for help were heard by Mrs. Finlay, wife of one of the party, who was on shore at their camp.

There were three or four boats on shore, but not a man was within sight. Mrs. Finlay sent the alarm out over the telephone and asked for help of those on the line. Melvin Ackerman, son of Mr. J. Ackerman of Big Island, was half a mile away from the camp when the news of the predicament of the men reached him by telephone. He jumped into his motorcar and drove to the scene, leaped into one of the boats which he shoved off the shore and rowed out to the men who were clinging to the boat. As he approached them, the boat was yielding to their weight and sinking beneath the water and providing no support. Two of the men had been in the water for quite a long time when their rescuer reached them. Mr. Ackerman hauled the four into the skiff he rowed out in, and hurried to the shore with the men. They were soon dressed in dry clothing and are none the worse for their immersion in the water.

The men were very expressive of their gratitude to the young man Ackerman who undoubtedly saved their lives by his presence of mind and brave action. Dr. Finlay and party are still camping at Big Island.