LAUNCH TRAGEDY

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1928, Page 4

LAUNCH TRAGEDY

OWNER-BUILDER DROWNED.

(Per Press Association.)

INVERCARGILL, December 5.

A rather mysterious accident appears to have occurred in connection with a launch which left Port Craig about 2 o’clock on Monday afternoon. The boat, which was built by George Graham, and was manned by him alone, was last sighted by the Oreti on Monday, when it had a dinghy in tow. At 2.45 yesterday afternoon the launch was discovered washed up on Ocean Beach, and was quite undamaged, although the dinghy was missing. It is feared that Graham, who was a young man of 28 years, and an employee of Port Craig Timber Coy., may have been washed overboard in the gale on Monday night. Relatives are patrolling the beach between Green Hills and Ocean Beach, but so far the body has not been washed ashore. LATER. .

The dinghy, presumably that of the missing man, was located this afternoon on the rocks about a mile from Stirling Point, Bluff. The dinghy was examined by a constable, and the conclusion was reached that it was the one the launch had in tow.

It is believed that Graham anchored the launch and made for the shore in the dinghy. High seas were running at the time, and it is thought that the dinghy capsized, and owing to the anchor stanchions snapping the launch itself was cast adrift. Graham had no nautical experience, and was unable to swim.

EXPLOSION ON LAUNCH.

AUCKLAND, December 6.

A loud explosion on the fishing launch Huana at the waterfront at 6 a.m. was followed by flame and smoke. John Sanderson and another man were assisted ashore, the latter being unhurt, but Sanderson was suffering from severe burns on his feet and legs.

The explosion was caused by a light coming in contact with benzine fumes. The Fire Brigade extinguished the flames, but the launch was badly damaged.