FIRE ON A YACHT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18689, 21 April 1924, Page 6

FIRE ON A YACHT.

EXPLOSION OF BENZINE. ESCAPING . spirit IGNITED, BLAZE IN MID-HARBOUR. EXCITING NIGHT EXPERIENCE. An alarming experience befell a yachting party in mid-harbour about 9. p.m. on Saturday. Accompsinied by his son and a friend, Mr. James Sutherland set out from Heme Bay in his auxiliary yacht Starlight on the first stage of a week-end cruise. As he was proceeding across to Northcote to embark two young men to complete the party, the engine back-fired. This caused an explosion in the benzinetank, the connections of which were blown out. The escaping spirit ignited, and those on board had a trying ordeal in suppressing the flames. Their plight was discovered by Messrs. Frank Ryan and William Robertson, who proceeded from Northcote in the launch Olive Branch to investigate when the Starlight failed to appear at the appointed time. The flames had been beaten out, but the overpowering fumes rendered an examination of the engine-room impracticable. The auxiliary was taken in tow until difficulty was encountered against the strong current of the ebbing tide off the Northcote wharf. The Starlight was carried near the Northcote Point, where her anchor was dropped. The night was calm, and there was no sailing wind. Some young men who arrived by the ferry steamer now gave assistance. Temporary adjustments were effected, and the auxiliary was moored about midnight .in Little Shoal Bay. The party spent the night aboard, and after returning to Heme Bay on Sunday morning, subsequently resumed the holiday cruise.