SWEPT FROM LAUNCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 17

SWEPT FROM LAUNCH

ONEHUNGA* RESIDENT

VICTIM OF HUGE WAVE

(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 render 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. T?isch on board. After fishing . outside the Manukau Heads during the weekend, 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 tar 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. Gard-^ ncr dropped flat 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 over lis, 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 io 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.