FISHING LAUNCH WRECKED

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22768, 21 July 1939, Page 12

FISHING LAUNCH WRECKED

THROWN ON MOLE WHEN ENGINE STOPPED (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WANGANUI, July 20. A further mishap occurred at the port late this afternoon, when the 40foot fishing launch Galileo was wrecked on the end of the north mole. The two occupants, Arthur Cameron, aged 43, and Rex Wadsworth, aged 21, reached the safety of the rocks after a terrific struggle in the racing ebb tide. The boat was returning to port with a cargo of dunnage salvaged from near the stranded Port Bowen, and had just rounded the north mole when the engine stopped. The launch was whirled round on the crest of a’ large wave, and smashed with terrific force on the rocks. The men jumped clear, and the launch bumped round the end of the mole and was smashed up on Castlecliff, beach.

NEW TUG MAY ASSIST CREW INSTRUCTED TO STAND BY The Lyttelton Harbour Board’s new' tug Lyttelton II may be sent to Wanganui to assist in the salvaging of the Port Bowen. The board yesterday received a communication from the representatives of the Port Line, owners of the Port Bowen, asking if the tug would be available if required. After a conference among the chairman (Mr F. E. Sutton), the secretary (Mr C. H. Clibborn), and-the harbourmaster (Captain J. Plowman) a reply was sent that the tug would be available. Late yesterday afternoon the crew of the tug, who were then engaged in transferring their effects from the old tug to the new one, were warned to stand-by to proceed to sea at three hours’ notice. It is also understood that arrangements were made fpr the vessel to complete bunkering and take in supplies at short notice. The distance from Lyttelton to Wanganui is 251 sea miles, and, at 12 knots, the tug should make the trip in 21 hours.