FISHING BOATS CAUGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22179, 5 August 1935, Page 10

FISHING BOATS CAUGHT

GALE AT KAIKOURA MEN'S TRYING EXPERIENCE STRUGGLE TO REACH SHELTER [by telegraph—own correspondent] CHIUSTCHTJECH, Sunday Four fishing launches from Kaikoura, caught in the heaviest gale of the year this afternoon, were unable to return to their moorings, and three of them had to run for shelter to South Boy, where they will have to remain all tonight. An attempt to assist a launch with engine trouble failed. It is unknown where the fourth launch is sheltering. All the vessels had a difficult time in reaching shelter. A man on one of tho launches set out in a dinghy for the boat in which the engine had broken down, but was unable to reach it. Another vessel got to the disabled craft, but was forced to return before any assistance could bo given. On approaching the shore, however, it was found that the dinghy of the rescuing launch had broken away from its moorings. One of tho men swam to the shore which he reached after a terrific struggle with tho heavy surf. The dinghy was later found washed up near tlio Kaikoura township. When the fishermen left Kaikoura yesterday, tho day was calm and. fine, but early this afternoon a wind of more than gale force quickly sprang up. The greater part of the fishing fleet was able to return yesterday. There is no sign of the storm abating.