Just after sunset one day in January 1874, James Lloyd, master of the cutter Leader, fell into the waters of the Waitemata Harbour while trying to clamber aboard.
Charles Hopkins, a sailor coming ashore in a dinghy, was first on the scene.
With great courage and presence of mind he plunged into the water to search for the drowning man, reported the Herald.
"He dived to the bottom four times without success, but the fifth time his perseverance was rewarded by his coming in contact with the man.
"He brought him to the surface, and both were taken out of the water."
Lloyd was unconscious and all attempts to revive him failed.
