KETCH TAKEN IN TOW

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29234, 18 June 1960, Page 12

KETCH TAKEN IN TOW

Launch Guided By Flares

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. June 17.

Flares dropped from an aircraft guided the launch Ngaroma to the rescue of the ketch Macuata lying helpless about 150 miles north of North Cape tonight. Late tonight the Ngaroma had the ketch in tow and was making between 4| and .5 knots. Warrant-Officer Michael Tiller, earlier reported ill on board with pleurisy, was “up and about’’ and feeling well. The Macuata’s radio was coming in strongly at the marine radio station at Whangarei.

A R.N.Z.A.F. Hastings, captained by Flight-Lieutenant J. H. Bayliss, flew between the two craft for five hours this afternoon. It was instrumental in leading then to a rendezvous at 7.30 p.m. The Hastings sighted the Macuata, lying disabled in the sea, at 2.45 p.m. The stricken vessel was given her position by radio. The aircraft then found the Ngaroma. and Auckland Search and Rescue Organisation boat, skippered by Mr J. Lawler, about 40 miles away.

The launch was given a course to take. “But it was obvious that, travelling at about eight knots, there was no chance of the two meeting before dark,” said Flight Lieutenant Bayliss at Whenuapai tonight. “The Macuata Jiad no generator or lights, and in the dark they would never have met,” he said “We decided to hang on, and kept flying from one to the other, giving the Ngaroma a revised course to take when necessary.’’ At 5 p.m. the Hastings dropped a pattern of big flares designed to burn for 12 hours. Two were dropped near the Macuata. and another between the two vessels as a guide. The plane left to return to Whenuapai as the Ngaroma came alongside. <