FISHING LAUNCH FATALITY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 7 September 1926, Page 4

FISHING LAUNCH FATALITY

TWO MEN DROWNED (United Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., This Day. When lhomas Geerlson and Vim. Samson set out in « fishing launch front Cungimoana, about a mile from tire mouth of tlie Rangitikei River early on Monday morning, there was little wind and the sea was calm. Later it came up rough and at 10.30 the launch was st ‘f‘n vainly trying to cross the Rangitikei bar. It is presumed the men met with engine trouble, as they were next seen under sail. Two hours later tlie launch was seen by employees of the forestry Department- working in the vicinity of the beach, and some time afterwards the body of Oeertson was found on the beach two and a half miles from the mouth of the Rangitikei, but neither the launch nor Samson has been seen, although fish boxes were washed up. I tic late Mr Ceerisou was a, widower, with a sou aged 15 years, and ini lowed the occupation of a fisherlman, living irt Tangirnoana., U,; was the owner of (he launch, wliioji was said to be well equipped and seaworthy. Samson was about 40 years of age, and was a. contractor in tin* Feilding and Sandnrj districts. NO TRACE OF LAUNCH PALMERSTON N.. This Day. So fur no trace has been found of the launch which yesterday was unable to re-enter Rangitikei River Heads, due to a rough sea. The search for the body el Samson is so far without result.