MOTOR LAUNCH DESTROYED.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 280, 24 November 1921, Page 4

MOTOR LAUNCH DESTROYED.

A BLAZE ON WEST COAST. BURNS TO WATERS EDGE. The motor launch Sisnct :i caught fire while proceeding to Kawhia from Onehunga yesterday, and after burnin-' to the water's edge she sank in several fathoms of water. The launch left Onehunga about 4 p.m. on Tuesday for Kawllia, it being the owner's intention to engage in the river traffic, that is to carry passengers and mails between Kawhia and Oparu. There were two men on l)oarrl, Mr. C. (.'. Moore and 'Mr. Darcy Hamilton, the latter having come up from Kawhia (where he resides) to navigate the vessel. The launch left, Onehunga with a fair wind off the land which enabled her to cross the Manukau Bar in a comparatively calm sea. Aft»r she had proceeded a few miles further fire suddenly broke out, following an explosion in the ongine room, and in an incredibly short space of time flames completely enveloped the launch. There were four fire extinguishers on board but so swiftly did the fire spread that the men ooulil not get at any of them; in fact, they could not secure either liiebelts or their hats or boots. By the time the men had boarded the dinghy and let go the painter the launch was a mass of flames, and they barely escaped with their lives. Fortunately Messrs. Cooke and Hamilton had not to remain long in the dinghy, as they were picked up by the Northern Co.'s steamer Arapa-wa, when about 13 miles out to sea, on her way to Wanganui. Both men were given every attention possible by the master of the Arapawa, and later on they were transferred to the Rarawa, bound for Onehunga. Mr. Moore was severely burned on the arms, legs and face, but Mr. Hamilton practically escaped injury. The launch was valued at £700, and ( although she was insured Mr. AngTore will be a heavy loser by the sudden disaster.