Alfred F. Holzapfel, 23, steamship third mate, attempted to help save Dennis A. Mugan, 53, pilot, from drowning, Newport, Rhode Island, November 18, 1927. Mugan, who was heavily dressed, fell into Narragansett Bay as he was leaving a ship to board a launch a half mile off Conanicut Island. He was pulled to the launch by means of a line, but the lone launchman was unable through efforts lasting 10 minutes to pull him aboard. The launch drifted steadily from the ship. The water was very cold, and there were waves five feet high. Holzapfel dived from a ladder of the ship and with great difficulty swam 300 feet to a point 20 feet from the launch. He was about to give up hope of reaching the launch, but the launchman, still holding Mugan with one hand, threw a line to him and he then reached the launch. He had been in the water about 20 minutes and had to be aided to get aboard the launch. Another boat arrived, and Mugan was pulled into the launch. Holzapfel was taken back to the ship and then collapsed. He recovered in a few hours. 27861-2354
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27861-2354