A HARBOR SENSATION

Evening Star, Issue 19198, 15 March 1926, Page 10

A HARBOR SENSATION

ENGINE SACK-FIRE DESTROYS ’ LAUNCH OWNER'S HARROW ESCAPE [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, -March 14. Fire destroyed the launch Mairete, which was worth £BOO, off Devonport wharf at 3.45 on Saturday afternoon, and the owner, Mr Robert who was overcome by fumes in an endeavour to quench the flames, fell overboard unconscious, and was rescued by bis two companions. Drifting opposite the wharf one of the crew noticed that a fire had broken out in the engine room. Mr Maynall went below immediately with a small chemical extinguisher, but the flow from this proved useless, and he set to work with blankets and tried to put out the fire. Soon the strong benzine fumes overcame him, and lie just managed to roach the deck, where he collapsed and tell overboard. Not realising for a minute that their skippor yvas unconscious, Messrs A. and F. AVilliams, who were on the launch, sa.w Mr Maynall sink twice. As he came up the third time they both dived to the rescue, and, holding Air MaynnlJ under the armpits, they contrived to keep Iris head above water while they clung_ to the launch, which was soon blazing from end to end. Relief came when the launch_ Esme drew near, after racing from a distance at top speed. After taking the hapless trio aboard, the crew of the Esme made a great effort to save the Waive te. The flames were leaping high, and it was found to be a hopeless task. A large crowd had assembled on the wharf, and the rescue of Maynall, the timely arrival of the Esme, and the efforts to save the Waireto provided some exciting moments. The Devonport Fire Brigade, summoned by one of the crowd, could do nothing till the vessel had drifted to the rocks on the eastern side of the wharf. When the launch came within distance of the hose, water was played on her Mazing length. When she struck the-rocks she was badly charred, being almost totally destroyed. Dr Rout attended to Mr Maynall, who was found to he suffering from shock more than anything else, and the doctor later motored Mi three to their homes. 'Described ns the most elaborate and up-to-date vessel of its kind in the harbor, the Wairete. which cost its owner in all £BSO. was insured for £SOO. She was a 28 h.p. six cylinder self-starter boat fitted with electric light and all modern equipment. The_ launch was practically new. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is suggested by the crew that the engine backfired and burst the pipe leading to the petrol tank, which was located near the how in a, separate compartment.