COURAGEOUS ACTION

Evening Star, Issue 25679, 31 December 1945, Page 6

COURAGEOUS ACTION

FISHING KETCH RESCUES KEELER HIGHLY EXPifIrTsEAMANSHIP Seamanship of the highest order was involved in the rescue of the 35ft keeler Thelma, -which ran aground on a mud bank in the “ Ditch ” —the eastern channel of the harbour—almost opposite Portobello. The rescuer was Mr A. . J. Black, in the Sea Rover, a 52ft fishing ketch which was on its way from Pounawea. It is seldom that a boat of the draught of Sea Rover—approximately 6ft —ever attempts the eastern channel, and the successful rescue under the conditions was meritorious, to say the least. Acting on telephoned information after 8 p.m. that a yacht was in distress, Sergeant C. L. Spencer and Constable Everett went to St. Leonards, where they located the Thelma with the aid of field glasses; and ascertained that two men were aboard. The accident happened at 5 p.m. yesterday, and launches were not available for rescue work. While the police were at St. Leonards, the Sea Rover came up the channel, and the police were able to signal her in to ißavensbourne wharf, after unsuccessful attempts _ at St. Leonards. It was then becoming dark, and a heavy sea was running, but Mr Black managed to get a heaving-line to the Thelma and tow her off, in spite of the inadequate channel. Troubles were not finished. At a later stage the towrope broke, but the Thelma, which had been well aground, was eventually brought to Dunedin. Two men were on board, the owner (Mr F. W. Marks) and Mr C. J. Smith. Even under the most favourable conditions the rescue would have been a hazardous undertaking. Mr- Black, after travelling from Pounawea, had attempted to fish at the Nuggets; but the trawl came up full of dogfish, and the attempt had to be abandoned. The rasp-like skin of the dogfish tears trawl netting to pieces, and, though there is a market for the livers, trawlermen cannot operate where these fish are numerous. After this abandoned attempt, and the long run to port on a heavy flowing sea. Mr Black still unhesitatingly offered in's services, and the police paid a i tribute this morning to his courageous action. IN GOOD HANDS. Mr Black is also the Dominion Commissioner for Sea Scouts ; and his purpose in coming to,Dunedm was to ship some of these boys and their gear to a summer camp at Pounawea. This mornings preparations for sailing were in full swing, and the seven boys should have a memorable trip. “ Bucking a head sea ” will bo more than an obscure nautical phrase for them from the moment they round Cape Saunders. Sea Rover is carrying a boat, and the heavy gear for the camp. The boys will be in good hands, and the little ship herself, locally built, is a staunch sea boat.

A stabbed porpoise lying at the stern may or may not betoken the excitements of shark fishing to come, but there will be excitement enough in the trip. If mal de mer be not so troublesome as to obliterate the conscious world. The Sea Scouts who are going are lucky lads indeed.