Swept Overboard By 40-ft Wave

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 7

Swept Overboard By 40-ft Wave

Fishing Launch Tragedy On Manukau Bar

HUGE SEAS THREATEN DESTRUCTION OF LAUNCH Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Swept from the cockpit of the fishing launch Almora by a wive almost 40 feet high while crossing the Manukau bar at about 11 o’clock this morning, Alfred William Tisch, aged about 65, married, of Onehunga, was - lost in the heavy swell and drowned. The accident took place in full view of his two companions in the boat, who were helpless to render assistance as further huge seas were threatening to swamp the vessel. The launch left Onehunga on Saturday afternoon with the owner, Edward Wall bank, Herbert Gardner and Tisch on board. After fishing outside the Manukau heads during the the three men left on tho return journey this morning. The sea was rough and the bar appeared to be choppy. As they approached the bar on the northern side an unusually large sea rose suddenly and broke by the launch. “It was about 40 feet high and ihe largest wave I have seen in my 30 years’ experience,” said Mr. Wallbank. “I ordered all hands to hang on as the sea broke like a tidal wave. We took the wave head on and the force of its impact threw the launch over on her beam ends. As she righted herself another sea broke, throwing the stern into the air. “When he saw the sea Mr. Gardner dropped flat in the cockpit, but Mr. Tisch was less fortunate. He was standing at the time and was thrown headlong overboard. Looking back from the wheelhouse I saw Tisch floating 50 yards astern with the seas breaking over him. As he was carried away by the strong spring tide he waved his hand as if to tell us to save our own Jives.

“The boat was in neutral but three enormous seas broke over us and I had to put the engine into gear and face them to- avoid another disaster. That was the last we saw of Tisch.”

The launch then proceeded to Onehunga where the accident was immediately reported to the police. No search has yet been made for the body of the deceased, who is survived by his wife, who resides in Wellington, an I one daughter, of Auckland.