ADRIFT IN AN OPEN BOAT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 95, 28 April 1910, Page 7

ADRIFT IN AN OPEN BOAT.

FISHERMAN'S EXPERIENCE

It being reported to the police that an Italian fisherman named Joseph Greco had been blown out to sea off the Makara beach, Constable Mullooly proceeded around the coast on Suncay to investigate (says the New Zealand Times). He found Greco in bed in his whare little the worse for the adventure, but with another stirring tale to add to the chronicles of the hardy sons of Italy who ply their calling on the several fishing grounds about Wellington.

At about midday on Saturday Greco put out to sea in an open boat 17ft long, his own property and valued at about £40. The. craft was a licensed fishing boat—the Nanimo—and was fitted with an oil engine. When a short distance out the accumulator became exhausted and there being a gale blowing off shore Greco was unable' to put back. He was blown up the coast about five miles in the direction of Mana Island, being at no time far from land. When opposite Paparmi Point he cast anchor, remaining there over-night, about two hundred yards from shore. Shortly before noon on Sunday he drew in the anchor and tried to get to shore, but the sea being rough the boat capsized. Greco was wearing a pair of gum boots. Divesting himself, with great difficulty, of these and of his clothing, whilst in the •water, he swam to a rock close by. The waves did not leave him long in place, however, he being shortly washed off the rock again. He then struck out for the shore and reached it safely. He walked the hills naked for about five miles, reaching his whare at Makara beach at about 2 p.m. Greco, who has been about four years in the Dominion and is a nephew of Salvatore Greco, of Rona Bay, says that ho thoroughly understood the working of the engine and boat. The latter now lies in about 3| fathoms close inshore.