Massive tree 'crushes' rowing crew on Christchurch's Avon RiverALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF Rowing coach James Alexander witnessed the tree falling on to the rowers in the Avon River. A teenage rowing coach plunged into the water to rescue his crew after a 30-metre tree toppled onto – and sank – their rowing boat on Christchurch's Avon River. ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF A 30 metre high tree toppled onto a teenage rowing crew's boat on Christchurch's Avon River on Monday. Rowing coaches James Alexander and Josh Dolan, both 18, were cycling along the edge of the river watching the crew train when they heard a "loud crack" from the nearby tree. [The tree] hit the boat and it went under and took the boys down with it," Alexander said.

Source: Stuff January 08, 2018 05:32 UTC