ON A BLAZING LAUNCH

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 74, 20 December 1928, Page 13

ON A BLAZING LAUNCH

CREW’S PERILOUS PLIGHT ENGINE TROUBLE IN ROUGH SEA Dominion Special Service. Auckland, December 19. Drifting helplessly in a rough sea the cargo launch Lone Star, 4O tons, caught lire off , Narrow Neck Beach shortly after 7 o clock to-night, and was almost totally destroyed before it drifted on to the rocks at North Head about two hours later. The vessel was owned by Messrs. Compton and Morrison, of Auckland, and was heavily laden with cargo for Arkles Bay and Manly. This was nearly all thrown overboard when the fire broke out. Neil Compton and W. Kirman comprised the crew. Fortunately the blazing launch was noticed by the signalman at Mount Victoria, who communicated with the Harbour Board authorities at Auckland. The pilot launch was sent out and stood by the Lone Star. After leaving Auckland the launch met a heavy sea and engine trouble occurred. It was decided to turn back, but before this could be done the engine failed completely. The crew attempted to start the engine again while the launch was being tossed about like a cork. Flames suddenly enveloped the engine and soon had a strong hold on the launch. The crew threw the benzine cargo overboard. The launch drifted onward, blazing furiously in the darkness, the flames being seen for miles around. The crew’s plight became perilous, and flames • drove them aft. They were forced to take to the dinghy, and a dangerous journey was made to the shore, the little craft being almost swamped. The launch subsequently drifted ashore, and was later scuttled, as she might have proved a danger to navigation.