Boat wrecked in heavy seas

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32776, 29 November 1971, Page 1

Boat wrecked in heavy seas

(New Zealand l\ress Association)

INVERCARGILL, November 28.

The Halfmoon Bay-based crayfishing boat Evening Star this morning drifted powerless on to the rocky coast of Stewart Island’s south cape region near Murphy Island and was pounded to splinters by heavy seas.

The wooden vessel was abandoned by its crew of three—Messrs Kaith Smith (owner), Ron Dennis and Stan Eade—a few minutes after 8 a.m. when attempts to stop the crippled boat drifting to destruction failed.

The men were picked up after about 30 minutes floating in a small aluminium dinghy in rough seas by another Half Moon Bay boat, the Sea Star, skippered by Mr Phillip Smith. Troubles aboard the Evening Star began when the boat’s propeller shaft broke down during the lifting of crayfish pots. Attempts to repair the trouble failed and at 7.45 a.m. Awarua Radio received a call from the Evening Star requesting assistance in the form of a tow.

Anchors were tossed overboard to try and stop the drift but these proved useless.

The Sea Star and another boat in the area went to help the stricken vessel but were too late.

At 8.05 a.m. the Evening Star radioed again—this time to advise that the crew was abandoning ship. The three men did not have long to wait for their rescue and at 8.38 a.m. Awarua Radio was advised that the Sea Star had picked up the men. The Sea Star waited round for a short time and saw the Evening Star being dashed to pieces on the rocks and then started the. five-hour steam back to Half Moon Bay with the three men.

A spokesman for the Inver-

cargill police said today that another boat was travelling to the area to inspect the wreckage and "see what could be done.”