SAVED FROM SEA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 19

SAVED FROM SEA

SIXTEEN SAMOANS ORDEAL ON LAUNCH VESSEL WRECKED IN STORM [fbom oub own coebespondent] I APIA, Feb. 10 1 The staunch little motor-boat, Tiafau, owned by the Burns, Philp (South Seas) Company, Limited, met with disaster on January 17, when transporting passengers and mails to make the connection with the Mariposa at Pago Pago. When she left Apia there was a strong wind blowing, the tail end of a hurricane, and all went well until the Tiafau had passed Aleipata at 4 p.m., when two big seas in succession struck her broadside on and put her on her beam ends. The launch carried 16 passengers and a crew of four. They were all thrown into the water, but succeeded in reach* ing the hull. Captain Hicks dived over and tore away the hatch cover, allowing water into the hold. The vessel then turned on to an even keel with the deck two feet under water. The mast had snapped off and the tophamper was carried away with all lifesaving appliances. In a 10ft. dinghy which the launch carried the captain took his son and another boy, alsa Mrs. Croudace, the only European passenger, and started for the shore. The journey was a most hazardous one. Seas were continually being shipped and continuous baling was necessary. Time and again the small boat was almost overwhelmed, and, thoroughly exhausted, the occupants landed on the beach at 5 a.m. next morning, after being 13 hours travelling 14 miles. The captain reported to officials, who got in touch with Apia. Among other vessels the Union Company's steamer Hauraki went to the assistance of the people on the wrecked launch.

Shortly after 2 a.m. on January 19, a wireless message was received from the Hauraki stating that she had foimd the Tiafau, and all the people were saved. The Samoan engineer, Faaee, had secured a rope and lashed all hands to the launch to prevent them being carried away by the seas that were washing over them, but some of them had given up all hope of rescue. When the men were picked up they had been standing for 33 hours in over two feet of water, and were completely exhausted and suffering greatly from thirst. It was a difficult problem to get the unfortunate people on board, as the sea was still high and the castaways too exhausted to help themselves.

However, a boatswain's chair was rigged and after two hours' labour the last man was got aboard. They were in a pitiful state. Captain Rcid, of the Hauraki, and the whole ship's company, did their utmost to relieve their sufferings, and a hot meal was quickly provided.