TRttR'TRX.'K BOATHJG DISASTER. j*S

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1888, Page 4

TERRIBLE BOATING DISASTER.

A terrible boating accident occjMred a Kawerua, between Hokianga JjJeads an< Manganni Bluff, by 'ahich/ Mr Wyatt storekeeper at Kj*»araaHind a nativ were drowned. /Mr George Wyatfc an* r three nativesj/ut off in a small boat to fish. __There<was a nasty break on, bu I * - j^*'^'oiit J KUCceeded in clearing two 0 L. J^three seas. wßen «a «tietnendous roller * described as being a wall of water quit 20 feet biffh, struck and capsized her. One of the natives swam ashore. Th others clung to the boat. A breake struck the boat when Wyatt went unde and was not seen again, being evident! killed by the boat ftriking him. One of the natives was with difficulty rescued. He is terribly mangled, and i scarcely expected to live. The other was dashed against the rock and killed, being no more seen. The boat they clung to was gradual!; borne ashore by the wind and tide Wyatt clung to the boat about half-an hour, and was then washed off ant drowned. The people on shore wen powerless to help, their own boat fcavinj been smashed by the surf. Constable Ward telegraphed Inspecto: Broham as follows re the boat accident :— " It was heartrending, seeing brave mci perish, and to be utterly powerless to savi them. A few rocket tubes would havi saved them all. Wyatt was evidentl] struck with the boat in one of hei many turns over. The people on ahor< could almost touch them sometimes, bu' the back rush would carry them chain! away again." Constable Ward has beer searching the coast since yesterday morning. He describes Wyatt's body ai being sadly bruised. He also states thai Tai Bnwhi made a most gallant struggl* for not only his own life but also foi that of Tihi Mirimoa.