Fears about a runabout

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33730, 31 December 1974, Page 1

Fears about a runabout

(New Zealand Press Association) xA.UCK.LAND, December 30. Auckland Coastguard service volunteers are worried about a 14ft runabout which is in the Hauraki Gulf somewhere, heading for the Bay of Islands—and, perhaps, trouble.

The service believes that the runabout has already broken down at least three times in an attempt by its sole occupant to take it from the Coromandel Peninsula to the Bay of Islands.

Volunteers who were on duty on Saturday said the runabout left Coromandel Peninsula on Friday morning. Its owner was apparently intent on joining his wife and family on holiday in the Bay of Islands. Initially, the runabout was accompanied by another small boat, which turned back.

The occupants of the second boat became concerned about the safety of the runabout owner, and on Saturdav morning the Coastguard

sent an alert for boats in the Auckland area to watch for it. It was found, broken down, at Browns Island. The owner said he did not need help, as the motor had already broken down once, and he could fix it himself.

On Saturday afternoon the runabout was reported broken down again, between Rakino Island and Tiritiri Island. It was found, and towed to Panmure, after an hour-long search by three Coastguard vessels. During the tow the runabout’s bollard, attached to the tow-rope pulled out.

The owner was reported to be planning to resume his journey today.

“I can understand the man wanting to be with his family for the holidays,” said a Coastguard official. “But I wish he’d go bv bus instead.”