SMALL BOAT OVERTURNS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21289, 16 September 1932, Page 13

SMALL BOAT OVERTURNS

ACCIDENT AT CAPE MARIA LIGHTHOUSE PARTY'S ORDEAL ESCAPE FROM DROWNING A narrow escape from drowning was experienced by five men when a 17ft. boat in which they were rowing from Cape Maria van Diemen lighthouse to the mainland, a distance of about a quarter of a mile, was caught by a breaker and overturned. A heavy sea was running, but the men succeeded in reaching the beach in safety. The party comprised the head light-house-keeper, Mr. Young, his assistant, Mr. Newsom, Mr. J. M. building inspector for the Public Works Department, and two Public Works carpenters, Messrs. F. Hewitt and H. C. Squires. Under the supervision of Mr. McLachlan, considerable repair work and alterations had been made to the interior of the lighthouse, and on the completion of the work last Saturday afternoon the men attempted the return journey to the mainland. Although only a comparatively short distance, the passage is always difficult, as the strip of water to be traversed is very exposed. When near the coast the boat was unexpectedly caught by a huge wave and turned turtle. The men and the capsized boat were tossed about in the turbulent sea and eventually washed into shallow water near the beach. One of the party, how- 1 ever, Mr. Hewitt, caught his foot in a rowlock, and frantic efforts were made by his companions to free him before the powerful undercurrent set in. Another heavy wave fortunately carried them out of danger. Mr. Hewitt suffered a broken rib, but the others were not badly hurt. The plight of the party was witnessed by a third lighthouse-keeper and the three women who reside in the lighthouse, and they were able to send blankets, provisions and tobacco to the men on the beach by means of an overhead cable, which is used for transporting material to and from the shore. A telephone message for assistance was sent from the lighthouse to the Te Paki station, about 20 miles away, but it was then too dark to take horses over the broken country leading to the beach. The marooned party made a camp on the beach, and on the following morning the manager of the station, Mr. B. H. Morrison, despatched men with horses to the beach. With the exception of Mr. Young, who was riding a slow mount, the party reached the homestead at about 9 p.m. Fresh hoi-ses from the station were obtained, and a search was made for Mr. Young, who was founjJ wandering in the sandhills. He arrived at the station about 2.30 a.m. on Monday. Mr. McLachlan and his assistants left the station for Whangarei on Tuesday and the lighthouse-keepers returned to the beach yesterday to await an opportunity to go back t-o the lighthouse. The boat was not damaged, but a gale has been blowing and it was thought advisable not to attempt the return journey until conditions improved.