SWEPT OUT TO SEA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20646, 19 August 1930, Page 13

SWEPT OUT TO SEA.

RESCUE OF FISHERMEN. NAVAL LAUNCH'S TIMELY AID. Signallers from tho Australian Squadron stationed at Pile Lighthouse, Queensland, late on the afternoon of August 3 noticed a small fishing boat which was being tossed about in high waves. The occupants of (he boat wero waving their hands and the boat was in a helpless slate, as the waves were very high owing to a strong westerly. A message was sent to the flagship Australia, which, in turn, sent it lo the Albatross. A motor launch was manned, and. though heavy seas retarded its progress, it succeeded m reaching the fishing boat. At one stage it was thought that tho launch would never reach the boat, but, after a fight lasting an hour, the launch reached the fishing boat and lowed it to the Albatross. Two men in the boat said that they put off from Sandgatc about 10 o'clock in the morning for the whiting banks. After fishing for a period the force of the wind and waves made their anchor ineffective. They were blown far out to sea, and, despite their endeavours, were unable to make the shore. 'I hey called out to two motor-boats, which passed 200 yards away, but the owners of these were too busy making for shelter lo take heed. Had the fleet not Ifren thcro both men would have been drowned.