YACHTING ACCIDENT

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIV, Issue 36, 12 February 1900, Page 3

YACHTING ACCIDENT

FOUE YOUNG MEN DROWNED. TWO OTHERS REBOUED. CAPSIZED INTWELLINGTON HARBOR. [UNITED PBBBS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, February 10. The 14-ft yacht Spray capsized off the hulks m a squall this afternoon. Bhe had six on board :— M. and H. Whittem, three brothers named Thane, and B. Taplin. Three were rescued, including TapliD, and three are said to be drowned. Wellington, February 11. The yachting accident on Saturday afternoon waa more serious than at first reported. Thoee m the boat were Henry Thane (aged 14), Edward Thane (aged 12), John Thane (8), Herbert Whittem (20), Montague Whittem (18), Bert M. Taplin (about 18). They were struck by a squall, and, the sheet being tied, the Jiitle craft heeled over, and, filling, soon sank, leaviog the occupants floundering m the water, Taplin appears to have been the only one on board who could swim. He endeavored to save one of the Thanes, but eventually had to leave his hold after being drawn under. The accident being observed from the shore, the launch Snark hurried to the scene and picked up Taplin ; and Mr James Spencer, who reached the spot m a light skiff, succeeded m saviDg Edward Thane. There was no sign of Henry or John Thane, and the two Whittems ; and these four were drowned. Whether they were drawn down by the boat or not is uncertain, and none of tbe bodies have been re* covered. The Thanes were sons of the Rev. Wm. Theodore Thane, formerly clerk m the Treasury, but more recently connected with the Oatholio Apostolio Church. The Whittems were sons of the late Mr Wm. Whittem, formerly head of Whittem, Nicholson, and 00., warehousemen m business here. Herbert Whittem was employed m the Bank of Australasia, and his brother m the National Mutual Life Assurance office. Edward Thane and Taplin were almost exhausted when rescued. The Spray belonged to a syndicate and had often been raced by the Whittems and others, and was re- | garded as a safe craft. The wind during the afternoon was treacherous, sudden squalls being frequent.