RESCUE OF YACHTSMEN

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29744, 10 February 1962, Page 14

RESCUE OF YACHTSMEN

Boat Owner’s Account

An account of a rescue of the crew of a capsized yacht in Lyttelton harbour on Saturday was given by Mr E. B. Slack, of Governor’s Bay, the owner of the fishing vessel Hawera which assisted in the rescue. Mr Slack said the Hawera reached the capsized vessel at the height of the storm 20 minutes before the other vessels appeared on the scene. “A line was successfully passed to the distressed yacht under extremely difficult conditions. The Hawera stood by it until the worst of the storm had passed and then brought the capsized yacht alongside and assisted the crew to right it and lower the sails. The situation was then so well under control that the crew selected to stay on board their salvaged vessel and be taken in tow by the Hawera,” Mr Slack said.

“Only at this stage did the Charteris Bay rescue launch ask to take over, upon which the crew of the Hawera assisted in handing over a tow line and making it fast to the salvaged yacht. “Many names were mentioned in your report, including my own, but the real credit should go to my helmsman, Frank Aldersley and my crew. Sea Scout Masters John Wilson and Bryon Porteous, whose competence and skill had the situation under control even at the most dangerous moments. The calmness and courage of the young victims of the capsize were impressive throughout and greatly facilitated their rescue,” said Mr Slack.