Yacht Dragged To Safety

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31162, 12 September 1966, Page 14

Yacht Dragged To Safety

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) AUCKLAND, Sept. 11. The yacht Erewhon. aground on the coast near Herekino since early on Friday morning, was dragged to safety in the sand dunes on Saturday only half an hour ahead of a raging tide.

The yacht, manned by its owner, Mr R. Rodahl, | and Mr S. Sandoy, was I driven ashore by a high wind and heavy breakers. On Saturday a party headed by Sergeant K. Marsh, of the Kaitaia police, and consisting of police, civilians and the two shipwrecked sailors made a hazardous overland journey from Ahipara with a bulldozer, two utility vehicles and a truck. The party reached the boat at 4 p.m., only half an hour ahead of the predicted high tide. Heavy seas were breaking over the boat which was lying on its starboard side parallel to the beach, and a 40-mile-an-hour wind was blowing. Inch-thick steel rope and chains were used to turn the boat, which was then dragged stern first into the dunes by the bulldozer. When the party left at 6 p.m. the tide was still com-

ing in ind was 200 yards further up the beach. The party had no doubt that the Erewhon would have broken up on the tide. The boat is holed in the starboard side and a number of boards have sprung. The interior is slightly damaged and is covered with diesel oil. An attempt will probably be made to bring the boat out with two tractors.