Owner to inspect Juanita today

Press, 14 January 1982, Page 2

Owner to inspect Juanita today

From

LES BLOXHAM

at Haast

An eight-tonne winch and a high-pressure water pump will probably be used in a bid to salvage the $lOO,OOO Australian ketch Juanita from an isolated beach in South Westland. The owner of the 12m yacht, Mr Tony Huxley, successfully completed the first stage of the recovery programme when he convinced the Greymouth police that he was the rightful owner. The New Zealander who sailed the yacht across the Tasman and landed high and dry in Smoothwater Bay, south of Jackson Bay, on January 3 remains in police custody. He is Sir Thomas Graham Fry (“Sir” is a given name,- not a title) who faces several charges. Mr Huxley and his shipwright friend, Mr Michael

Middleton, arrived at Haast last evening and will inspect the ketch early today. After speaking to the local police and residents, Mr Huxley appeared relieved and more optimistic about the chances of a successful salvage. Mr Huxley's main worry last evening was reports of serious damage to the rig ging and sails. He said that the jib, mizzen, and mainsails, worth a total of about $3OOO, had been torn by the wind since the ketch was abandoned 10 days ago. He also believes that the Juanita's four marine batteries are flat and that the 30h.p. diesel auxiliary engine may have been damaged. The two men have had offers of assistance, equipment, accommodation, and advice from the residents of the small and isolated com-

munities of Haast and Jackson Bay. A local fisherman told Mr Huxley by telephone that the ketch was lying on its side about 40m from the water line and 6m from the creek. The fisherman believes it might be possible to winch the nine-tonne Juanita to the creek and from there haul it by trawlers to the sea. A high-pressure water pump might also be used to sluice out the channel. After viewing the ketch’s registration papers yesterday, the police conceded that Mr Huxley is the Juanita’s legal owner and he was given permission to recover the yacht and to sail it to Greymouth. The Australian police are reported to be preparing to extradite the man who sailed it across the Tasman, to face charges in Sydney.