RESCUE AT SEA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 84, 21 January 1936, Page 8

RESCUE AT SEA

AFTER SEARCH ABANDONED.

THE SAMOAN LAUNCH ACCIDENT

(United Press Association—Copyright; APIA, January 19.

The steamer Hauraki brought the I passengers of the launch Tiafau to port this morning. When she sailed on Saturday evening for Vancouver, Captain Reid was instructed to search the) straits between Upoiu and Utuila for the missing launch. Later four of the; crew and passengers off the Tiafau arrived from Aleipata, after rowing all night. Unfortunately the wireless plant at Aliepata was out of commission, the mast and building have been destroyed in the gale. From information received from tho survivors of the launch, there appeared to be little hope of saving the remainder of the passengers, and Captain Reid was thus informed by radio and asked to proceed on his voyage. Captain McClvmont (harbourmaster), however, fitted out two launches and was about to go out when a message was received from Captain Reid that ho had picked up tho survivors. It appears that after changing her course and proceeding northward to Vancouver, the Hauraki sighted the submerged Tiafau close by and Captain Reid manoeuvred the vessel to a position where the passengers could be picked up. It is reported that tiro third officer ami other members of*tiro crew jumped into the water to assist. All the remaining passengers and crew were safely picked up, but nothing, could be done with the launch and she was abandoned. It is expected that she will be a total loss with the mails.