FOUR DROWN WHEN LAUNCH CAPSIZES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 14, 17 January 1940, Page 7

FOUR DROWN WHEN LAUNCH CAPSIZES.

COAST OF VICTORIA. Tragic Climax To Holiday Cruise. HEAVY SEAS ON BAR. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 9.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, this day. The most serious drowning tragedy of the season occurred yesterday at Inverloch, when a 30ft launch capsized on the bar at the entrance to Anderson's Inlet, a man, his wife and two sons losing their lives. The victims were Mr. and Mrs. Frongerud and their two boys, aged 12 and 10 respectively, of Wonthaggi. The family had travelled to Inverloeh from Melbourne, a voyage of about 100 miles, mostly in open sea, during the holidays. They were returning by easy stages, and had travelled 33 miles yesterday on the last stage when the tragedy occurred. A heavy sea was running at the time. Inverloeh is the nearest port to Wonthaggi, which is about, seven miles away from the road. Mr. Frongerud, who was 65 years of age, was formerly Mayor of Wonthaggi. The Burns-Philp motor vessel Merkur (5952 tons) went ashore off the Northern Territory coast yesterday when bound from Darwin to southern ports, says a Sydney cable. The vessel is carrying a big cargo and has a fairly heavy passenger list. Another vessel has gone to her assistance and was expected to reach the scene yesterday at'ternoeu. The Burns, J'ltilp freighter Tulagi is now standing by anit will attempt to tow the Merkur off the reef. All the 70 passengers and 120 of the crew are safe, but the liner is firmly wedged in the coral, about a quarter of a mile off shore.