On 1 April 1921 a tragedy unfolded off the coast of Oaonui when a boat containing five Maori fishermen overturned in heavy seas. One managed to swim ashore and raise the alarm at which point George Maxwell Cleghorn, a powerful swimmer from nearby Opunake, was called. In the course of the rescue Cleghorn’s boat overturned but he did manage to save the lives of those on the rescue boat and two of the original fishermen were also saved. In recognition of this Cleghorn was presented with a cup on 8 June 1921 by Maori of the district.