CAMPERS ISOLATED

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1938, Page 6

CAMPERS ISOLATED

RESCUE BY; HARBOUR LAUNCH. r 'v.;' ' ’ (Per Press Association—Copyright), CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 30. Very heavy, seas were running on the coast and in the harbour at Lyttelton yesterday. At low tide the seas were breaking • right’ across the liarboui- near Church Bay, and harbour launches were buffeted. The Awhina Nui, the passenger launch from Port Levy, was unable to make her usual trip to Lyttelton, the trip being postponed until to-day. The can buoy marking Parsons Rock., off Ripa Island; broke loose yesterday afternoon, and whenJast^,seen, wgg being. carried towards Quail Island.

Because of the cancellation of the Port Levy launch trip, some campers were isolated- on Quail Island. They were rescued last night after considerable excitement caused by signals of distress- from the island. The party consisted of. 10 boys; members of theSecondary School Christian Union, and four officers, Mr El W. Lewis being, in charge. They had gone into camp the previous Monday and were to have been taken off the island at 5 p.m. yesterday by the Awhina Nui. As there is now )io telephonic communication -with the island, there was no means of informing the campers of the position. The boys had struck' camp and were waiting op the jetty at the appointed .time.. After two.hours, it was realised that the launch was not coming for them, find 'as 'one of The boys was, shoWfng .signs of sickness • which it was thought might d.evplop into measles, it became imperative that the party should leave as soon as possible.

Signals Made. Some of the party went round to the Lyttelton side of the Island and lit a lire near the beacli. Although, this was seen about 4-.80 p.m. by many persons, few realised that it was a signal fire. About 5.45 p.m., just before darkness, signals were made with a to.ich, a slowly sent SOS being read by observers at Lyttelton. Telephone calls from several, sources were made to ■ the Harbour Board authorities, and the harbourmaster, Captain J. Plowman sent away the Harbour Board launch Ruahine.

As heavy seas were still running, the launch was unable to work the eastern jetty at" the island, but the high tide enabled it-to berth at the jetty on the south ?rn side. :

■ The ffioys and officers, with all their haseage made a very full load for the Ruahine : but the trip back to Lyttelton was made without incident, and 15 minutes after leaving the island the bnvs were unloading their pear, cheerful in the knowledge that they would rr ”’"h their homes within an hour or two. •