Warren Robert Markert, 24, salesman, helped to save Marie L. Skinner, 50, and Dorothy K. Martin, 46, housewives, and Earl J. Martin, 44, insurance agent, from drowning, Okee, Wisconsin, July 31, 1955. When their motorboat overturned in Wisconsin Lake during a storm, Mrs. Skinner, the Martins, and another man were thrown into water 13 feet deep three-quarters of a mile from shore. Only the men could swim. The accident was witnessed by Markert and Victor D. Holland. In winds up to 45 m.p.h., they immediately started across the lake in a 14 foot motorboat. Waves as much as four feet high struck the boat as Holland maneuvered it to near the overturned craft, which was held by its anchor. Markert saw Mrs. Skinner lose her hold and flounder wildly as she drifted away from the boat. Neither Holland nor Markert was aware of the presence of the other man, who then swam a short distance from the boat and sank. Markert dived from the boat fully clothed and swam 30 feet to Mrs. Skinner, who threw her arms around his neck and caused both to be submerged. Markert freed himself and returned to the surface with Mrs. Skinner, who was dazed and did not struggle further as he supported her while treading water. In heavy wind and rough surf, Holland with difficulty maneuvered his boat to near Markert. The motor then stalled, and the boat drifted 20feet before Holland could re-start the motor and return to Markert, who was tiring rapidly. Operating the boat with one hand, Holland grasped Mrs. Skinner’s hair and then pulled her into the boat when the waves tilted it toward her. After Markert climbed aboard, Holland took the boat to near the bank, where others then carried Mrs. Skinner to shore. Markert removed his trousers and shoes and returned with Holland to the overturned boat. Aided by Martin, Markert attempted to get Mrs. Martin into Holland’s boat, which tilted alarmingly. Markert then held Mrs. Martin against the side of the boat; and they returned to near the bank, where others also aided Mrs. Martin to shore. In the same manner Martin was brought a half a mile toward shore and then aided into Holland’s boat by two men in another boat. All returned to the bank, where they learned that another man had been in the overturned boat. In much calmer wind and surf others then began searching for him, recovering his body the next day. Mrs. Skinner and the Martins were removed to a hospital, where they were treated for shock and exposure. Markert was fatigued and later became nauseated from water he had swallowed. All recovered. 43559-4081
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