ADRIFT AT SEA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 10 December 1925, Page 9

ADRIFT AT SEA.

BOAT SURVIVES A GALE

A GALLANT BOY

(by TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WAIHI, Dec. 10. David Leach, 84 years, an old resident of Wailii, and a lad named Charles Lawson, aged 14, were reported missing on Monday from Homunga Bay, a few miles down the coast. They had left on Monday forenoon for the fishino- grounds, a quarter of a mile out. "A strong wind suddenly sprang up, and in an attempt to row back, an oar was lost overboard. The frail craft Avas practically at the mercy of the Avind and AA’aves, and was bloAvn out to sea, the Avind increasing to a rrale during the night. <->n the mornrng of the second day the boat was seen miles from land. At nightfall heroic efforts of the lad, AVith a single paddle, prevented the craft from being dashed on the rocks of Mayor Island. On the folloAving afternoon (Wednesday! they were picked up •by G. Tonges in a launch, Mr. Leach s two sons” accompaning the rescue party. Between Mayor Island and the Aldermen Islands the boat was overtaken. The boy Lawson was feebly, paddling, and the old man Avas huddled in the bow in a semi-conscious condition. They had been adrift for three days and two nights without food or Avater.