CAPSIZED CANOE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 25, 31 January 1933, Page 12

CAPSIZED CANOE

SHARKS IN VICINITY

Two Milford. youths' had a narrow escape from droyniing,' or perhaps a worse fate, on Friday afternoon (states the,"Auckland Staj'').:. In a homemade canvas canoe, fitted with, a mainsail and jib, they set out into the gulf on a_ voyage to Motutapu. When about a mile frcim their, destination .a sharp, squall struck their frail craft; causing it to capsize, both occupants being thrown into the water.

Fortunately for them their plight was seen by Captain Stanaway, of the port refuse launch, which was anchored about a. ; mile away at the refuse dumping grounds. The launch's anchor was immediately hove up and full speed was made for the capsized canoe. When Captain Stanaway came up to the scene of the mishap a large mako shark, about 12ft'long, was " seen circling round the canoe, not more than 20ft from the foolhardy youths, who were clinging to their upturned canoe. .

The lads and their canoe were hauled aboard the launch, and when the shaTk was pointed out to the boys their pallid faces told their Tescuers that the adventure would not be repeated.

Mr. C. Weaver, the port sanitary inspector, who was aboard the launch and assisted at the rescue, stated that the scene of the mishap was the,exact spot where Mr. G. J. Garland got a great haul of sharks a few days ago, "and no later tha,n yesterday," Mr. Weaver continued,-'"a 12-foot tiger shark was' caught in tha vicinity, • and many others were seen. An hour or two prior to the accident we saw two very large makos and several tiger sharks cruising in the neighbourhood."