Beat Storm But Not Pirates

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30530, 27 August 1964, Page 3

Beat Storm But Not Pirates

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 26. The two young Wellington meh who recently came safely through a heavy storm In the China Sea, have lost their boat, according to advice received this morning. The seafarers, Tom Corkill, aged 21, and Barry Willis, aged 22. were towed ashore after being adrift for five days. While they were ashore seeking food and shelter,

their 25ft yacht Maiko disappeared. They received help from the British Embassy and the American Navy and they were overjoyed three days later when they learned that the Maiko had been found abandoned 250 miles at sea.

By the time Messrs Corkill and Willis reached the area where the Maiko -had been beached they found only the hull. The boat had been completely stripped of parts and all their belongings. . In a letter to his parents, 1

Mr Corkill said the area abounded With pirates and bandits. He assured them he and his companion were well and safe although uncertain of their future. When the Maiko was found, Messrs Corkill and Willis possessed only the clothese they were wearing, and some of these had been given to them. In a letter to his parents written before the finding of the boat Mr Willis said he thought they would have to see about getting passages back to New Zealand.