ADRIFT AT SEA

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 87, 12 April 1923, Page 8

ADRIFT AT SEA

THREE MEN IN A LAUNCH

SUFFERINGS OF A FISHING PARTY

TWO DAYS WITHOUT WATER,

The members o£ the crew of the launch Maui, one of the many craft which are engaged in the fishing industry around the south coast of the North Island, are said to have had an unenviable experience at the mercy of heavy seas during Easter week. It is stated that after undergoing privations for some days, and after having lost their boat, which lies a wreck on the east coast, they had to tramp many miles in a famished condition for assistance, and ar» now reported to have arrived in Wellington.

The steam launch Maui sailed from Wellington on 20th March on a fishing expedition to the east coast, with Waikokopu as her destination. The crew apparently consisted of three -men, including the owner, Mr. C. Nichol, of Wellington, who was in charge. Mr. Nichol as»ured his friends before he left that he would notify them on his arrival at Waikokopu or Castlepoint, and anxiety was naturally felt for the safety of the party when the launch Venture, which left Wellington some hours previously, arrived at that port before MrNichol's vessel. Anxiety was allayed, however, when private advice was received during Easter week-end that the party were safe and well. In the meantime, however, it appears, from the brief details available, that the men had a very anxious time in a stormy aea, trusting to Providence to drift- them ashore. The launch is said to have had a breakdown after leaving Wellington Harbour, a mishap occurring to the condenser, and lor ■■ some says the vessel, which was a stoutly built craft about 50 feet in length, was tossed about, at the mercy of the seas, which were frequently heavy enough to endanger the lives of the men. Efforts were made to put the engine into commission again, but without avail. The occupants made distress signals, on one occasion to Cape Palliser, and it was hoped that a tug would be sent out to their succour, but no response was received. They also passed within hailing distance of a coastal steamer, and though they made every effort to attract the attention of those on board, they were again unsuccessful in securing assistance. For two days the unfortunate men were without water, and suffered very severely. At last they made the coast near Te Awaite, and managed to get ashore, abandoning the vessel, which is now understood to be a complete wreck. It is surmised that this is the launch referred to in a Press 1 Association telegram received yesterday from Masterton, announcing that portions of wreckage had been washed up, apparently the remains of a launch' that had received a severe buffeting.

The landing place was an unfrequented part of the coastline, and after walking for about five miles the men mot a shepherd. By this time they were in great distress, and could hardly, speak. In addition to their sufferings from hunger and 'thirst, one man had been badly burned as a result of the bursting of the vessel's boiler..-They t -contrived,to make the.stranger mndevstand, that ..they wanted water, and he immediately went off and returned with a pannikin, the> contents of. which gave them much relief. The trio- were then conveyed to Castlepoint, and in due course made their way back to Wellington. ,

Another version of the adventure is that, the crew tried to go ashore near Te Awaite for water for the engine, and that the launch was disabled upon the rocks as she approached the shore. The departure of the boat was not known to the harbour authorities, • andon the night of 20th March a signalman at the Heads noticed a launch pass out through the Heads of which he had had no notification. The party had received a favourable forecast of the weather before putting to sea, and reckoned to reach Waikokopu in 40 hours. Had it not been for the unfortunate breakdown of the engine she would have made a good passage. The Maui was built by Mr. B. J.L. Jukes, of Ballena Bay, about three years ago as a pleasure boat for Mr. George Dennis, of Dennis and Sons. Mr. Dennis disposed of her to Mr. Nichols some time ago. The boat was ketch rigged, and was fitted with a small steam engine, which is understood .to have been under-powered. . The launch was 30 feet in length, 9 feet in beam, and drew four feet of water.'