FATALITY AT THE AWAITE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15138, 30 November 1914, Page 2

FATALITY AT THE AWAITE.

SURF-BOAT SWAMPED. O-TCIAI- TO "THK TRESS.") "WELLINGTON,,November 28. News of a drowning fatality, in.which threo lives were lost, at To Awaito, East Coast, was received to-day by Captain P. A. Pettersen, local representative for Messrs Riehart-_on and Co., Napier. The accident occurred thia morning whilst the coastal steamer Kahu was picking up a load of wool for Wellington. Particulars of the occurrence were telephoned by Mr Wilson, second mate of tlie vessel. Loading operations were commenced early this morning, under favourable conditions. Tho first load had been safely taken by the surf-boat from the shore to the Kahu, but when returning with the second load the engine'of the boat broke down and progress was immediately stopped. Tho anchor was lowered, but at tho entrance of the small harbour a heavy sea sxid.eiily swamped the boat. The predicament of tho occupant*; (four in number) was noticed from the Kahu, and tho life-boat was immediately manned, Mr Wilson, second mate, being in charge. Upon arrival at tho _cene of the accident one man was picked up in an exhausted condition, but the others were nowhere to bo seen. A thorough search resulted fruitlessly. The surf-boat, attached to the anchor, was lyin°" in a half-submerged position. After being thoroughly ' satisfied that thero was no hopo of the men being saved, Mr Wilson telephoned to Wellington. The names of those drowned are:— William Lyall Leers, first mate. —. O'Brien, able seaman. —. Matheson, able seaman. Mr Leers .vas thirty years ot age, and was well known and highly respected in Wellington. Tlie deceased was married as recently as the Ist Angii.t last, and resided at Upland crescent, Kelburn. A short time ago he was relieving on the Government steamer Tutanekai, and was formerly on tin steamers Stormbird, Kapiti, and Kai puni. __. Te xVwaite. some miles np_ the const from Cape Palliser. is recognised as one of the most convenient places on tho coast for working cargo, the boat harbour being sheltered a good deal by a natural breakwater. The Kahu. a steamer of IS2 tons gross and commanded by Cantain Grey, sailed from Wellington on Thuredav afternoon, and worked at Whit©. Rock yesterday. THE CAPTAIN'S STATEMENT. V>BBSS ASSOCIATION —ZW-BAM.) WELLINGTON. Nove**it-:r ?J. Captain Grey, of tho steamer Kahu, which arrived last night iroin Te Awaite, states that when the accident to the surf-boat was observed from the steamer, a life-boat was laujehel and was away within four minute.. The sea had been calm, but sud-only without any warning mountainous waves began to run, although no wind was blowing. He had therefore to signal the life-boat's crew not to attempt to eomo out to the steamer again. The Kahu came on with only tho captain, engineer, two firemen, and the cook, arid they were very glad to mako port.