SPEED BOAT IN FLAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 143, 20 June 1927, Page 9

SPEED BOAT IN FLAMES.

MISS X DESTROYED.

MISHAP OFF OKAKTTf.

CREW'S LUCKY ESCAPE.

Fuc, tie result of an explosion, destroyed the well known speed boat Miss X, the property of Mr. R. M. Hoyes, off Orakei late yesterday afternoon. The crew of two escaped injury.

The speed boat left Mechanics' Bay for Rangitoto but encountered rough weather, and the trip was abandoned. A run was then made to Kohimarama, the boat going well. Returning from Kohi the engine began to miss, and the crew, Messrs. M. Turner, of the firm of Hoyes Motors, Ltd., and V. L. Humphreys, decided to put into Orakei for repairs. Tying up at the Orakei wharf, the crew cleaned the sparking plugs and also put two tins of benzine into the tank.

Casting off from the wharf, the speed boat again got under way, but a few minutes later the engine stopped. While the starter was being engaged the gear became locked, and the starter cable fused and at once burst into flames. The fire extinguisher carried on the boat was at once brought into play and the outbreak suppressed.

Again the engine was started and the speed boat was headed for the Orakei wharf. Mr. Turner then went to the forward hatch and was in the act of testing the plugs when a loud explosion occurred, and flames enveloped the cockpit. At the time of the explosion the boat was travelling at fifteen knots an hour.

As it was impossible to attempt to fight the fire Mr. Turner dived overboard. A few seconds later he saw his companion come to the surface within a short distance and the pair then swam to the Orakei wharf, a distance of about 150 yard*. As the water was very cold and as both men were considerably hampered by heavy clothing, it is extremely fortunate that the boat was as near the wharf as she was when the explosiou occurred. Miss X, in the meantime, went on for some distance without her crew. Later a fishing launch took the burning craft in tow and brought her to the shore.

Mr. Humphreys cannot remember anything that happened from the time of the explosion until he found himself in the water. He believes he was blown right out of the boat.

Neither man is any the worse for his experience.

One of the fastest speed boats of her class on the harbour, Miss X has won a number of prizes in speed boat events. When competing in the Auckland Provincial championship for the Walker and Hall Cup at the dose of last season she caught fire and withdrew from the race.

Miss X, which wm valued at between £800 and £900, was insured, but the exact amount is not at present available.