LAUNCH IN PERIL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22344, 7 March 1938, Page 8

LAUNCH IN PERIL

CREW RESCUED BY TUG FISHERMEN’S ORDEAL AT LYTTELTON With only a light anchor and line holding their disabled launch from being driven on to the rocks of a lee shore, four amateur fishermen spent several anxious hours during the height of the gale at Lyttelton early yesterday morning. They were eventually rescued by the tug Lyttelton.

The launch concerned was a small one, the Alma, and the party consisted of Messrs J. W. Salt, of 272 Cashel street; H. J. Davies, 1 Hagley avenue, Lower Riccarton; James Senior, 53 Bamford street, Woolston; and James Taylor, 14 Edward street, Christchurch. They left Lyttelton about 8 o’clock on Saturday with the intention of fishing down the harbour all night, and anchored about 100 yards off shore in Gollan’s Bay. Engine Disabled . The night was calm and the sea smooth until about 11.15 p.m., when a southerly gale arose with remarkable suddenness. Within a few minutes a heavy sea was running and the little craft was tossing wildly at her anchor rope. Those on board decided to make for port, but found that the engine would not start. For some time they struggled with the engine, but their efforts were unavailing, and their only recourse was to try to ride out the gale. In the early hours of the morning the wind, which was accompanied by frequent rain showers, increased. At the same time it shifted from the south-west to the south, thus exposing the Alma to its more direct force, and the party commenced to signal for assistance. Their only means of signalling was by waving a small lamp in the hope of attracting some motorist on the road near Evans Pass. It was about 3 a.m. when the signals were seen by a motorist, who answered with the car headlights. He drove into Lyttelton and informed 'the police and then drove Constable N. B. Oxnan back to see the launch, from which signals were again made. The harbourmaster (Captain J. Plowman) was communicated .with by telephone from the Harbour Board watch-house and he ordered the tug to be sent out. The tug whistle sounded at 4 a.m., and half an hour later the tug left, arriving alongside the launch about 4.50. As the gale was still at its height it was decided not to attempt to tow the Alma, as she probably would have towed under. Although the launch was close inshore, the tug managed ,to edge in and take the men aboard. The Alma was left at anchor and rode out the gale unharmed, as she was still at anchor yesterday afternoon. ____________