HUGE WAVE STRIKES LAUNCH

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 162, 5 April 1938, Page 16

HUGE WAVE STRIKES LAUNCH

Man Swept Overboard And i Drowned

MANUKAU BAR ACCIDENT By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, April 4. Swept from the cockpit of the fishing launch Almora by a wave almost 40 feet high while crossing the Manukau Bar at about 11 o’clock this morning, Mr. Alfred William Tisch, aged about 65, a married man, of Onehunga, was lost in the heavy swell and drowned. The accident took place in full view of his two companions in the boat, who were helpless to rendef assistance, as further huge seas were threatening to swamp the vessel. The launch left Onehunga on Saturday afternoon with the owner. Mr. Edward Wallbank, Mr. Herbert Gardner, and Mr. Tisch on board. After fishing outside the Manukau Heads during the week-end, the three men left on their return journey this morning. The sea was rough and the bar appeared to be choppy. As they approached the bar on the northern side, an unusually large sea rose suddenly and broke by the launch.

“It was about 40ft. high and the largest wave I have seen in my 30 years’ experience/ said Mr. Wallbank. “I ordered all hands to hang on as the sea broke like a tidal wave. We took the wave head on and the force of its impact threw the launch over on her beam-ends. As she righted herself another sea broke, throwing the stern into the air. “When he saw the sea, Mr, Gardener dropped fiat in the cockpit, but Mr. Tisch was less fortunate. He was standing at the time and was thrown headlong overboard. Looking back from the wheelhouse, I saw Mr. Tisch floating 50 yards astern with seas breaking over him as he was carried away' by the strong spring tide. He waved his hand as if to tell us to save our own lives. The boat was in neutral, but three enormous seas broke oyer us, and I had to put the engine into gear and face them to avoid another disaster. That was the last we saw of Mr. Tisch.” The launch then proceeded to Onehunga where the accident was immediately reported to the police. No search has yet been made for the body. Mr. Tisch is survived by his wife, who resides in ’Wellington, and one daughter, who lives at Auckland.