FOUR MEN RESCUED

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29746, 13 February 1962, Page 12

FOUR MEN RESCUED

Adrift For 15 Hours (NJ!. Press AMOciation) HASTINGS, Feb. 12 Four men were rescued this morning after drifting helplessly for 15 hours in an 18ft cabin cruiser towards the rocky reef off Aramoana beach, central Hawke's Bay, Throughout the night the men lit petrol-soaked rags to signal their position, and when their plight became known the Napier police were alerted and a launch was ordered to stand by. On board the cruiser were Messrs B Hikowhai and R. Young, part-owners, of Waipukurau. Messrs A. Perry. Waipawa. and D. Pennefather. Waipukurau. They left soon after lunch yesterday to lift crayfish pots when about 300 yards off shore the engine stopped and would not start.

After the engine was overhauled it was found that the battery was flat. In the meantime the anchor was lost and crayfish pots and the old battery were used as makeshift anchors. Mr Hikow’hai made a raft of three-gallon tins to be used in case the boat crashed on to the reef. At this stage the weather was deteriorating and signals were out to the watching people on the beach. Mr A. Watson, of Waipawa. in a rowing boat, took off one of the men. However, the boat overturned in the breakers but the occupants managed to swim to the beach.

Messrs M. R. C. Taylor and K. Hayes, of Waipawa. using a small open launch, took two batteries to the distressed vessel through rough seas. The cruiser was made serviceable and it reached the beach at about 2 am.