CANOE SINKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1936, Page 12

CANOE SINKS.

TRYING. EXPERIENCE. WOMAN AND MISSIONARY. THREE HOURS IN ROUGH WATER. ' i (From Our Own Correspondent.) SUVA, January 20. The experience of the Rev. G. Stanton Crouch, his wife and a Miss Joan Wridgway, of Melbourne, is one that happily seldom falls to the lot of white residents of tliese coral strands. A- few days ago they were left ill rough water off the reef at Kandavu, in the dark, for over three hours, when their canoe sank suddenly beneath them. The party, with two native boys to paddle, left Vunisea at 0 p.m., in a takia, or small canoe, which was also loaded with a quntity of goods. They had to go outside the main reef, and the rough water soon got them into difficulties, the choppy seas compelling them tti bale all the time. While proceeding along the coast outside the reef at about 8 p.m., the canoe slowly sank under them, throwing the party into the water. Happily the missionary and Miss Wridgway were good [swimmers. The canoe came to the surface shortly after, and the party, clinging to the partly-submerged craft pushed it along to try to make for the shore. The wind and tide, however, kept them on a course parallel to the beach. At last, after swimming for two hours, when just about exhausted, they gained a footing on the reef. Here they waited in,the dark for help, as one of the boys had started off for the shore for assistance. It was midnight when they were rescued, completely exhausted, but hot tea.from tlfe missionary's wife, who was their hostess, rallied tlseir spirits somewhat. After a night's rest they were little the worse for their experience. The seas thereabouts arc very rough and nasty, dangerous for a canoe so heavily laden. It was a wonderfully luck}' ending to a thrilling adventure.