TERRIBLE FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 303, 21 December 1903, Page 5

TERRIBLE FATALITY.

A. YACHT CAPSIZED. THREE MEN DROWNED. THREE OTHERS SAVED. (By Telegraph.—Owu Correspondent.) COROMANDEL, this day. A most appalling fatality occurred here yesterday afternoon, when, through a yacht capsizing, William Edgar, James Roil, and Donald Calder, all married men were drowned. A party consisting of the three unfortunate men, together with P. Petley, J. Kirk, and Leslie Roil (aged 12), left for their usual Sunday cruise in the yacht Kathleen,, owned by Edgar. The early part of the day was spent in sailing. About 3 o'clock aii anchorage was made near Pitas Island for fishing. The head sails and the throat and peak of the mainsail were lowered, the boat riding head to windward. A strong squall struck the boat, which heeled over and sank. Of tho occupants Petley, Kirk, Roil, and the hitters son struck out for the shore. Young Roil's cries attracted the attention of William Pita, who, with the assistance of George <Jutland, put off in a boat, and succeeded in rescuing Kirk, Leslie Roil, and Petley. Calder was seen to throw up bis arms and sink. Roil, sen., swam for some time until exhausted, and shared the fate of Edgar and Calder. At ihe time of the accident Roil. I-Mgnr. and Calder were fully clothed: this handicapped them. Roil was married, a blacksmith by trade, and captain of the (ire brigade. lie leaves a wife and four young children, ('aider lost an arm some years ago. lie was an accountant by profession, lie also leaves a wife and live young children. Edgar was a miner, about 00 years of age. lie has a wife and a grown up son and daughter. Petley, one of the survivors, lost a hand son-e time ago through a dynamite explosion whilst fishing. Tbe "disaster has caused a profound sensation, and- the deepest sympathy is expressed for tlie. sufferers. The bodies of the drowned men are no! vet recovered.