Lorenzo Snow Drowned in Surf at Sandwich Islands - Restored to Life After One Hour

“On the 29th of March, 1864, we sailed for Lahaina, on the schooner Nettie Merrill. We arrived off the port of Lahaina on the 31st, about 10 o'clock a.m. The sea was very rough, and the surf ran high. We lowered the boat, and Elders E. T. Benson, J. F. Smith, W. W. Cluff, and myself, with the captain and two native oarsmen, got into it to go ashore. We had to pass through a very heavy surf. When we had got about half way to the shore, the boat was suddenly capsized by a heavy sea, and we were all thrown into the water. I was thrown out some distance from the boat, and as I rose to the surface, I saw the boat bottom up, with the captain and some of the brethren clinging to it. I felt no concern for myself about drowning, for while on my former mission I had learned to swim and sport in the surf of those shores. I struck out for the shore, but soon found that the undertow was so strong that I could make no headway. I then turned and swam toward the boat. I reached it, and took hold of the side, but the sea was so rough that it was impossible to climb upon it. I saw Elder Cluff near me, struggling in the water, and apparently nearly exhausted. I told him to take hold of my coat, which he did. I then made another effort to reach the shore, but found it impossible. I became exhausted, and my strength failed me. I let go of the boat, and the last I remember was sinking down into the deep, and the thought passed through my mind, 'Well, this is the end of my mission.' I felt no pain, and the sensation was very pleasant. I seemed to be surrounded by a bright light, and everything appeared beautiful. I do not know how long I remained in the water, but I was told afterwards that I was under the water for some time. When I was taken out, I was to all appearance dead. My body was carried to the shore, and the brethren commenced to work with me. They rolled me, and used every means in their power to restore me to life, but for a long time without success. They then administered to me, and Elder Joseph F. Smith, in the name of the Lord, commanded me to breathe. I then began to show signs of life, and soon after I was restored to consciousness. I was then taken to the house of Brother Napela, where I was cared for, and in a few days I was able to resume my labors.”

— Lorenzo Snow, as quoted in 'Lorenzo Snow Drowned in Lahaina Harbor (From W.W. Cluff's Journal)', Mormon Pacific Historical Society