RESCUED BY LAUNCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 292, 10 December 1925, Page 6

RESCUED BY LAUNCH.

IN STATE OF EXHAUSTION " I THREE DAYS AND TWO SIGHTS," WITHOUT FOOD OR WATER, fj (Bj- Telcsrnph.—Special to "Star.") ** WAIHI, this day. - The Tescue by Mr. G. Tonge'a launch of an old man named David Leach and a boy named Lawson, who were blown out to sea in a small open boat whilst fishing off Homanga Bay last Monday provides another dramatic tale of tit sea.

About 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon Mr. G. Tonge's launch picked lip the boat, with its unfortunate occupants, somo 25 miles out to sea, and beyond Mayor Island.

Ihe old man. Leach, was lying in the bottom of the boat, groaning, and in an utter state of collapse, whilst the boy Lawson, who is only 13 years of age, was attempting to keep the boat straight to the seas with one paddle, the other having been lost overboard.

When taken aboard the launch, the boy was found to be badly sunburnt and suffering severely from exhaustion.

The condition of the old man was such, that it was quite apparent lie would not have survived another night at sea. Both were brought to Waihi last evening. The boy was taken to his home, where his blistered skin was treated, and Leach was admitted to the hospital. When the boat got some distance off the land every attempt to make headway against a strong wind failed, and when one of the oars was lost, their position became hopeless.

An attempt was made to reach Mayor Island, but, owing to the rough, sea this was found impossible. The boat was then blown further out, and when picked up, the boat was heading towards White Island. Both occupants suffered intensely from hunger and thirst, and in desperation they were driven to drink sea water.. 'Their rescue by the launch was most timely, for, owing to rising seas, the boat had no chance to weather . them another night.