SICK GIRL AT LIGHTHOUSE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 139, 24 March 1948, Page 6

SICK GIRL AT LIGHTHOUSE

RESCUE VOYAGE IN HEAVY SEAS (P.A.) AUCKLAND, March 23. An emergency voyage through heavy seas and in a high wind was made from Auckland to the Mokohinau Island lighthouse and back today by a coastguard launch to bring the three-year-old daughter of the keeper to hospital for treatment. On the return voyage the vessel was* hove to several times. A radio call for assistance for the child, Diane Baker, was received on Monday night. The launch, with a doctor, left, shortly after 1 a.m. and arrived at the island, G2 miles away, about 7 .m. Approching the small landing in heavy southerly seas was difficult, but. Ihe child and members of her family were brought on board and the return was begun at 8.15 a m. The launch met the full force of the heavy seas and strong \<*ind a-s soon as it left the island, and was hove to for a time. With speed reduced to about six knots she came inside the Whangaparaoa peninsula, hut rough weather still forced the speed to be reduced and the vessel finally reached port about 3.15 p.m. The child was treated at the Auckland Hospital and later discharged.