FISHERMEN'AS RISKS AND THE REMEDY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 86, 8 October 1930, Page 10

FISHERMEN'AS RISKS AND THE REMEDY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—While the Island Bay tragedy is still ia the public mind the time seems opportune to consider whether a repetition can bo prevented. As a preliminary, it seems to be obvious that a launch having no sails, with a single engine, and without dual ignition or generator, ought not to be licenced beyond harbour limits; but assuming that competent fishermen will continue to be permitted to take such risks, it may bo well to consider how loss of valuable lives may be averted. Two suggestions have already been made, viz., a rocket gun, and a lifeboat at Island Bay, respectively. As to the first, the apparatus is only useful to project a line on to a grounded vessel which is temporarily stationary. In the case of a small vessel which is smashed to pieces upon initial impact, it would be quite useless. As to the second, it happens that 211 severe southerly weather Island Bay is not -workable. It is doubtful if in such weather any boat could make to sea. No boat could safely return. Records will show that the first pilot station was situated upon the open coast near Breaker Bay. it was removed to Worser Bay ond account of the difficulty of working in southerly weather, and Worser Bay in turn was abandoned when seagoing tugs became available in the inner harbour. This seems to show that if relief is to be sought it should be from Wellington Harbour, where powerful seagoing tugs are available whenever required. ~ , . The next question to be considered is upon what occasion help might be sought, and how and when it might be given. A fishing vessel, equipped with sails, if anywhere in the Straits towards Cape Campbell may stand over towards Port Underwood, or can anchor safely off Wairau. In either case its position can be seen and announced by telephone. .If taken at a disadvantage further to the northward, it can find shelter at Te Kamera Bay, where an observation post with telephone should be established. If further to the northward, there is shelter along; the coast from Porirua onwards. If the tide is ebbing the Rip at Terawhiti is so dangerous in southerly weather that it should be avoided.- All this is so well known to those who fish on or about the Straits, that there would be no occasion to repeat it here except for the purpose of evolving a remedy, which it is the object of this letter to suggest. When any fishing boat is known to be missing in severe southerly weather, inquiry by telephone should be made to Wairau, Port Underwood, Te Kamera, and the coastal stations. If by this means the missing boat cannot .be discovered, it would be clear that some accident must have happened, and in that event help should-be forthcoming without delay. One of the harbour tugs would_ at once proceed to sea and search in the vicinity of the lee shore where the danger is greatest. Communication wtih the shore can be maintained, and the search be directed accordingly. The expense of such an organisation would be much less than a lifeboat equipment, and it would also be more satisfactory. In conclusion, whatever remedy may be adopted, I shall be glad to assist when the time comes. Those who know anything of the fishermen's calling will not dispute that their reward is hardly earned.—-I am, etc., GERALD FITZGERALD. ■7th October. x "Typo," referring to the life-boat proposal, considers that of equal importance is the enforcement of the regulation that boats shall always have a sail ready at a moment's notice in case of the breaking down of the engine. "If the fishermen had known in time they would have gone to the rescue just as readily as any lifeboat. In fact, they have many times saved some boat's crew from an unfortunate accident. I hope the Marine Department will see the urgent need of some quick form of compliance with the aforesaid regulation."