Trawler’s Crew Have Close Call

Northern Advocate, 13 February 1940, Page 6

Trawler’s Crew Have Close Call

WESTPORT, This Day. .When the fishing trawler Waitohi, which left Westport for Port Chalmers on Sunday evening, commenced to leak badly when well out at sea, the crew of three—Messrs, Alan Scandrett, William Hart and T. Sheenan—decided to turn back and make a dash for safety. It was only after strenuous efforts that they escaped with their lives after leaving the vessel at anchor outside the mouth of the Orowaiti River, two miles from Westport. Dinghy Overturns. As the water started to rise rapidly in the hold of the Waitohi, it seemed at one stage as if the vessel would, have to be abandoned well off shore, but it was not until a mile from Orowaiti, when the engine flooded, that the men decided to drop anchor and attempt to land in a small dinghy. A heavy surf was running, arid the dinghy overturned. Gallant Swim. Mr. Scandrett, a good swimmer, struck out for shore for assistance, while Mr. Hart and Mr. Sheenan held on to the upturned boat, but when Mr, Sheehan was washed away Mr. Scandrett turned back and helped him ashore. ' Mr. Hart was washed ashore with the dinghy. All three men were exhausted by their efforts, first in getting the Waitohi almost to port, and then in the battle through the surf. The trawler sank soon after the crhw; reached the beach. The Waitohi is 65 feet long and of 30 tons gross.