LAUNCH BREAKDOWN

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 May 1937, Page 5

LAUNCH BREAKDOWN

TWO MEN RESCUED

[per press association.] AUCKLAND, May 23. After being without food and water for more than 48 hours, the crew of the fishing boat Viking (Thomas Daniels ■and AV. H. Goodman), who were reported yesterday to he missing with their launch somewhere near the Kawhia fishing grounds, were found about ten miles out to sea to-day. They were exhausted.

The engine of the laulnch broke down on Tuesday when it was about to return to New Plymouth. It was taken in tow by the fishing boat Galileo and brought back late this afternoon to Kawhia, where the two men are now recovering from their experience. Acting on a request from New Plymouth, where the Viking had its headquarters, the Galileo left Kawhia early this morning under the charge of Mr C. Robinson, who was accompanied by his brother. Mr A. Robinson, both of New Plymouth, and Mr J. S. Culley, of Kawhia. From Kawhia Heads a course was set south-west of Albatross Point, and after about two hours the masts of the missing launch were seen on the horizon. Another hour brought the Galileo alongside the Viking. The two members of the crew are both single men, Daniels being 20 years of age and Goodman 28. They were found to be suffering severely from hunger and thirst. They were given iiot drinks from an emergency supply carried on the Galileo, and the launch was then taken in tow.

It appears that the Viking’s engine developed the defect early on Tuesday morning, and although temporary repairs were effected, it broke down again shortly afterwards. Just before this Daniels was attempting to pour some petrol into the engine tank and lie slipped overboard with the can. He was able to scramble aboard with out difficulty, but the can sank and they were left without further supplies. On Thursday afternoon the men sighted the steamer Holmlea about three n;iles out to sea, but although they sent up two rockets they were not' seen. They continued to keep tin anxious watch for passing vessels, but the only time they had hopes of being rescued was when they saw one of two aeroplanes sent out to search for them yesterday. Again their efforts to attract, attention were unsuccessful. After being without food and water for so long a time that, they were beginning to feel exhausted. Daniels and Goodman made an effort to row the launch nearer the coast after the Holmlea had failed to sight them. They found, however, that the task was too great for their failing istrength.

The tow back to Kawhia was not accomplished without anxiety, for when ihe Galileo was crossing the Kawhia bar, the tow lino parted ami considerable difficulty was experienced in picking up the disabled launch in the heavy swell that, was running. Both boats wore finally brought to anchor at. Kawhia at 3.30 p.m. to-day. and the two rescued men were taken in charge by local residents. Much credit for their rescue must go to the Robinson brothers for theij resource and seamanship. Mr 11. !>■ Robinson, who was lost last year when the launch Campbell was wrecked near Kawhia, was another member of the family.