BODIES WASHED ASHORE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 306, 20 September 1921, Page 4

BODIES WASHED ASHORE

NEW PLYMOUTH BOATING FATALITY TWO WELLINGTON MEN DROWNED By Teleirranh.—Press Association. New Plymouth, September 19. The bodies of two more of the victims of Sunday’s boating disaster, in which four men wore drowned when sailing to the wharf from the American steamer Easterner, were found to-day. The body of Landers, third engineer of the Easterner, was discovered this morning, and that af J. Piper came ashore about 12.45 p.m. The only body still missing is that of T. A. Butler. The Easterner arrived on Saturday morning, but was not berthed, owing to heavy seas. The harbourmaster went out in a launch on Sunday morning, having a rough trip, and arranged to bring the steamer in this morning. Ho also sent a launch out at 6 o’clock on Sunday evening. It was still very rough and unsafe for a small boat. . When the accident occurred it was nearly low water, and |hcre was a nastybreak in the entrance to tho harbour. The occupaiits of tho boat wore 'probably trying to ayoid this and reach sheltered water, but were carried into tho breakers beyond the shelter of the breakwater. Tho boat seemed to tlio onlookers to rido two big breakers, asd was then overwhelmed by- a third.

For nearly half-an-hour the onlookers could see the struggle, but were powerless to render any help, nor could any buat hope to live in the breakers. Every preparation was made to succour survivors who might reach the shore. Three doctors and a nurse were quickly on the spot, but all efforts to resuscitate Lindsay, whose body was found at dusk, were fruitless.

An inquest on the victims was opened by Mr. Bundle, S.M., to-day. Captain O’Brien, master of the Easterner, said ho refused to put Butler and Piper ashore on Saturday on account of the rough seas but nt 1.30 p.m. on Sunday the ship was in comparatively smooth water, and he therefore ordered the boat out,, with Dieskin, a most competent man, in charge. He anticipated no danger in landing. Tho boat was ■ thoroughly equipped with lifebelts, and Captain Smith, the pilot on board, when asked, agreed that it -was quite'safe. Ho thought a safe landing had been made on the beach, until the harbourmaster sent a message at 6 o’clock informing him of the accident. Otherwise he would have sent away another boat to assist.The inquiry' was adjourned till Thursday afternoon. j VICTIMS INCLUDE TWO WEDDINGTON RESIDENTS. Mr. Butler was a well-known resident of Newtown, and received his earlier education at the Newtown Public School. He had*l>een in the employ of the Vacuum Oil Company for 13 years, and at tho time of his death held the position of shipping clerk for the company. For some years he was a member of St. Thomas’s Church choir. Newtown. He was married recently. Mr. Piper was a widely-known figure on the waterfront, and for the past year had been stevedore for Gannaway and Company. Prior to that he had been employed as a waterside worker.