THRILLING EPISODE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 245, 15 September 1932, Page 7

THRILLING EPISODE.

BOAT CAPSIZES IN BREAKERS,

TRAGEDY NAIIROAVLY AVERTED

Per Press Association

AVHANGAREI, Sept. 15. . A thrilling, account of a perilous episodo is supplied by a member of a party engaged last week-end in effecting repairs to tho Gape Maria Van Diemen lighthouso under the supervision of Mr McLachlan, Public AVorks Department building inspector. When he, together with two workmen and also one of the lighthouse keepers, and tho latter’s assistant, essayed a passage to the mainland across a treacherous spot their 14 foot surf boat was caught by a tremendous comber and capsized near tho beach. One member of the party, Mr Hewitt, was unable to swim and was further’ jeopardised by his foot being caught in a rowlock. Desperate efforts by tho others to rescue Air Hewitt and to savo themselves were futile and it seemed that a tragedy was imminent when another big breaker providentially swept them all ashore. Tho struggles of the victims in the surging waters were anxiously watched by tho third keeper and throe women in the lighthouse who eventually sent over food and other supplies to tho party who wero forced to spend tho night on tho beach. , Except for a broken rib sustained by Air Hewitt and severe bruises by the others, no untoward result occurred from the adventure. Next morning, in response to a telephone call from tho lighthouse, three horses were despatched from Tepaki Station, and by this means, and on foot, the party achieved the difficult 20 mile trek to the station, arriving late at night when it was discovered that one member, who had lagged behind, was missing, having lost Ins way. A search was promptly instituted but it was not till 2.30 a.m. that the missing man was located. It is reported that the party are still isolated at Tepaki.