LAUNCH WRECKED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 42, 18 January 1936, Page 2

LAUNCH WRECKED.

LOST NEAR THAMES

THAAIES, Jan. 16

A 36ft. seine fishing launch owned by Air A. Garrett, ot Thames, and leased to Air G. McMillan, was w fee iced on Tuesday close to the Kerela Post Office, about 23 miles north of Thames, in the Firth of Thames. Only the engined was salved. The boat contained Air AlcAiillan, his brother, Air F. AlcAiillan, his sister, Airs Blanchard, his son, Air A. McMman, and his daughter. Airs Pearson, and her two young children. Anouier fisnerman, Air C. Barker, was also on hoard. There was a heavy swell along.the coast and, as tins was affecting the women, it was decided to keep close inshore. When near lvereta a submerged rock was struck, part .ol a Jong reel which runs out at this spot, it was seen that a large hole was torn in the hull and that the pump could, could not cope with the water. The dinghy was launched and the women and children were hurriedly rowed ashore, getting very wet in the process. The dingliv went back for the rest of the men and the launch foundered and sank, just as it was reached in 40lt of water. The launch was washed ashore today, a complete wreck, the cabin top having been destroyed and the boat split from end to end. At low' tide the engine was recovered. The whole of Air AlcAlillan’s gear with the seine net was lost. The value of this was about £SO, while the launch was valued at £250. There is no insurance.

Residents helped the wrecked party with dry clothes and they were returned to their homes near Thames. 1