Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald Saturday 19th August 1899.

Narrow Escape

On Saturday afternoon, information was received that a little boy was drowning near the Marine Drive.

A Police Constable at once went to his assistance but found it was unnecessary to enter the water, as the boy had been rescued by Chas. Callagahan of Grove Cottages, Manor Street, Chelsea, who was hanging to the wall with one hand and holding up the boy with the other.

The Police Constable called out to Frederick Emptage who was in his boat about 300 yards out, and also to another boatman.

Both boats went to their assistance and the rescued and rescuer brought to shore.

The child who is Cecil Arthur Howard is staying at at Vick’s Hotel and is nine years old. He subsequently stated he was paddling in the water and stepped into a hole. He then fell down and the tide took him out.

Callagahan was fully dressed when he entered the water, and deserved praise for the pluck he displayed.

Several persons who had witnessed the rescue, offered him money, but he declined with thanks to receive it.

Note:

Frederick Emptage 1877 – 1943, son of Albert John Emptage and Anne Warner