LAUNCH SIGHTED

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 248, 15 July 1932, Page 11

LAUNCH SIGHTED

Thought to be the Advance PLANE SEARCHED IN VAIN The postmaster at Porangahau reported yesterday morning to the Marine Department that a two-masted launch passed about three miles off at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, making for Napier, and apparently experiencing engine trouble. The postmaster could not say definitely whether it was the Advance. Judging from the general description given by the postmaster on the ’phone, the Marine Department considers it possible that this is her. She had not reached Napier last night. The Marine Department was in communication with the Hastings Aero Club yesterday, and an aeroplane from the Hastings aerodrome made a search of the coast yesterday afternoon as far south as Black Head, a few miles north of Porangahau. The ’plane saw no signs of any launch, but visibility was not good. The department is making arrangements for a further search this morning by two aeroplanes from Hastings if weather conditions are suitable, and if the launch has not then reached Napier. Settlers in the vicinity are still keeping a look-out for the missing launch, which may be sheltering in one of the bays between Porangahau and Napier. The launch Advance, 50ft in length and ketch rigged, left Napier on July 5 for Wanganui with three men on board. As the vessel was expected to complete the trip in about 40 hours, and had not been reported, anxiety has been felt for her safety.