A ROWING CREW'S MISHAP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13392, 22 January 1907, Page 5

A ROWING CREW'S MISHAP.

Gill COLLIDES WITH A STEAMER

A I'RK.w of tin- West End Rowing Club had a rather exciting experience while out in a racing gig on a practice run in Freeman's Hay about half-past six o'clock yesterday morning. 'Hie light craft was being sent along at top speed, when quite unexpectedly to the crew* the s.s. Vivid steamed out from amongst the coal bulks anchored in the vicinity, and collided with the gig. The latter was struck broadside oil, and its structur'" being frail was cut completely in two, the division taking place between the stroke and No. 3 seat s. Ihe coach (Mv. K. K-eid) ami the stroke, (Mr. 15. S. Angus) were left .hanging to the one portion of the wrecked gig. and the remaining members of the crew, Messrs. C. Weekes, L. Mack, and (1. Wright, had to support themselves on the other half, which was floating in the water on the opposite side of the steamer. The crew were placed in an awkward position, and had an anxious time for a few minutes, struggling against the suction created r»y the wash of the steamer. All being good swimmers, they soon got settled on the broken timbers of the gig till picked up by the Vivid, which put about with all expedition. The club sustain a serious loss by the accident, for not only is every boat in the shed required for the crews training for the Anniversary Regatta on the 29th inst.. hut the gig smashed was valued at £50, and was one of the best for racing purposes in the possession of the club.