MULLET BOAT CAPSIZED

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1927, Page 1

MULLET BOAT CAPSIZED

TWO MEN MISSING. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. Nov. 21. A tragedy betel a twelve-lout mullet yacht, half an hour after it weighed anchor at Milford, about four o’clock on Saturday afternoon, a sudden gust of wind filling the sail just as tho tack was being changed, with the result that the yacht capsized, throwing the three men aboard into tho water. After clinging to the upturned boat until darkness descended, they discarded all their clothing, and two swam for Rangitoto Island, while the third made for Mutatapu Island. One of the two who attempted to reach Rangitoto dragged himself ashore about nine o’clock-, and alone and naked wandered about the island in an exhausted state until lie was hkcovered by a quarryman about 5 o’clock this evening. Nothing lias been heard or seen of the man who made for Mutatapu Island, and it is believed that he, with tho other man. was drowned. Tho missing are William "Williams, aged 28, married, residing with his wife and family at Piinchu.se Hoad. Takaptina. who was an All Black League representative football player; and James Bowman, aged 35. married. a City Council employee, residing with liis wife and family at I’upuko Road, Takaptina. The sole survivor is Stanley John Ensdown. aged 48. married, residing with his wife and family at Rawliorite. In a leaking dinghy, the quarrymail who found Easdown attempted to row to Devonport, to notify the police. "When half way across the channel he was sighted by the steam-

er Clansman, hound for M liangarei, which was just making for the Heads. Once aboard, lie told of liis finding, which was wirelessed to tho I.Y.A. Broadcasting Station, where it was Rlopla>nnd to iflio ’Queenls AYliarf police. Within an hour a launch was sent, to the island, -and about two hours later Easdown was being medically attended in Auckland. His condition is not serious, in spite of his trying experience.