This is the first in a series of stories in which people survived death or drowning. ‘Near Miss’ is in fact the opposite of what is meant, but no matter.

A narrow escape from drowning happened in Inver Bay in June 1870. A yawl containing eight crewmen, capsized, and all were thrown into the water. Only one of the men could swim.  Fortunately two young men, named Brazer and Keefe, were out trying a new boat at the time.  By dint of great exertions and the skilful working of their boat, they were able to save the lives of the fishermen.  Brazer was a coachman employed by the local landlord, (Sinclair), and Keefe was a land steward