DISABLED KETCH

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30284, 9 November 1963, Page 10

DISABLED KETCH

Weak Signals Received (N.Z. Press Association) NAPIER, Nov. 8. Weak radio signals from the disabled ketch Hunakai—one of which said all on board were fit and well—are reported to have been received by the overseas freighter Ruysdael. The Ruysdael is taking part in the search for the craft drifting off Hawke’s Bay without engines or a mainsail. In response to the radio signals the Ruysdael has been firing flares and at one stage this evening reported sighting a light. It is not known if the light was connected with the Hunakai. Late this evening the Ruysdael was still firing flares in the hope of receiving an answering signal. Aboard the Hunakai .are Francis Alexander Lowe, of River road. Havelock North and her American owner, Chris Christopher, who is believed to be accompanied by his two sons, Dane, aged 11, and Corey, aged 13. The Ruysdael was due at Napier early this afternoon from Wellington but changed course off Cape Kidnappers in a bid to fix the Hunakai’s position by radar. It is riot known how far the Ruysdael is from Napier but she was searching in a north • westerly direction. Other ships engaged In the search are the Cornwall, Katua and Kurow. The Hunakai is reported by the Napier police to be taking a hammeririg from gale force winds.