LAUNCH PARTY'S DISTRESS.

Auckland Star, 2 January 1931, Page 8

LAUNCH PARTY'S DISTRESS.

SAILED ACROSS COOK STRAIT

UNABLE TO MAKE HARBOUR.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day,

A thrilling experience btfell four Wellington residents, who set out on Christmas Day for a tour of the Marlborough Sounds in the launch.'Onapua. The occupants were Mr. and Mrs. J. Epsom, Mr. R. Rawle and Mr. J. Walloy," '..••_

Soon after clearing the- Terawhiti "Rip," the launch's engine failed, and those aboard were unable to get it going again. Sails were hoisted, and a course was set for the southern end of Queen Charlotte Sound. As night came on the wind dropped, and the party spent Christinas night waiting for an opportunity to enter Tory Channel.

A strong tide on Boxing Day caused Mr. Epsom to run down the coast, with the intention oi reaching Port Underwood. Meanwhile, the north-east wind was freshening, and the party attempted to reach a boat .harbour. The tide prevented this, and similar luck met an attempt for White Bluffs. Finally, the anchor was dropped at the mouth of the .Awatere River, and' for two nights and a day the launch rode the heavy seas, no reply "being made to flares which the men sent up.

Finally the plight of the party wag observed from the shore, and after a hazardous row in a dinghy to the shore, where aid was asked, a launch went out from Blenheim and towed the helpless craft Tjacjc to port, which was reached oir Stihday night.