COLLISION IN CHANNEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21166, 26 April 1932, Page 8

COLLISION IN CHANNEL.

SPEED-BOAT AND DINGHY.

FISHING PARTY'S ESCAPE.

PROMPT RESCUE EFFECTED.

The occupants of an open boat, who were fishing in Rangitoto Channel yesterday morning, had to leap for safety into the water when their dinghy was struck by the speed-boat Meteor and was almost completely wrecked. The speed-boat was returning from Brown's Bay and was driven by Mr. H. Goodfellow, a son of the owner. There were three men in the dinghy, Mr. B. Finley and Mr. B. Martin, of Xakapuna, and Mr. H. Scolfc. They were anchored about two miles off Thome's Bay, between Takapuna and Milford, and they had their lines out only a short time when the accident occurred.

The dinghy was struck almost amidships, the wholo of the stern being torn out when the speed-boat crashed into it and passed over it. Mr. Finley and Mr. Martin jumped overboard before the impact and when they came to the surface the stern of the speed-boat was passing over the submerged dinghy. Mr. Scott remained in the _bow and he helped Mr. Finley, the eldest member of the party, to reach safety. Mr. Scott was sucked under when the dinghy went down, but got clear, and reached tho surface. The seat from which Mr. Finley was fishing was smashed to pieces.

After passing over the boat the speedboat came round quickly and picked up the three men, who were then swimming and were without injury. The dinghy, which was floating awash with the water, was taken in tow to 'lakapuna. It was carried up the beach and was found to be wrecked beyond repair. It was owned by Mr. F. Brewer, of Takapuna. Mr. Scott, who was first to see the approaching launch, said lie stood up and tried to attract the attention of the driver. The men were seen too late and the accident happened before the course of the speed-boat could be altered. There was no ewell running at the time, but Mr. Goodfcllow &aid a strong sun interfered gornewhat with his vision.