LIVES SAVED AT SEA

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 189, 9 May 1934, Page 4

LIVES SAVED AT SEA

Cornwall’s Chance Meeting SCHOONER ASSISTED At least one life was sieved and four others rescued fronj possible death as the result of a chance meeting with a schooner in mid-ocean by the steamer Cornwall, which arrived direct from London at New Plymouth on Monday. The encounter was on April 14, about 150 miles west of Panama, wheu the schooner was practically dismasted and a gallon of water left among the crew of six. The schooner was the property of Mr. R. Valentine, New York archaeologist and geologist, who was returning from an unsuccessful treasure-huntiug expedition on Cocos Island when bls ship was dismantled. Sails were fitted, but they were barely sufficient to give steerage way. In the position the schooner was when sighted it would have taken her at least a fortnight to reach land, and she had taken 33 days from Cocos to reach her position when found by the Cornwall. As the Cornwall approached the ship signals for help could be seen and a boat was put out. Aid was given the crew, and petrol supplied for the auxiliary engine. Provisions for 10 days were given and wireless calls to Panama for a tug to aid the men. Before the ship left the men, news was received that a tug had left for the rescue. Thfe Cornwall left London on March 27, so that her voyage took 41 days. Fair weather, except in the North Atlantic and off the coast of New Zealand, was experienced. Clear of the English Channel the vessel encountered north-easterly gales and ran south to avoid them. Five days from New Zealand she again met gales. The vessel includes in her personnel four Royal Navy Reserve officers and 30 cadets. The cadets have several sports teams, including two crews of first-class rowers and a Rugby team. A football match is to be arranged with the New Plymouth BoyS' High School.