STOLEN YACHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22618, 5 January 1937, Page 14

STOLEN YACHT

SEAFARER VANISHES VESSEL TAKEN FROM SUVA SAILS WITH UNKNOWN CREW UNSUCCESSFUL SEARCH MADE fFROM cm OWN CORRESPONDENT] SUVA, Dec. 31 The mysterious disappearance of the yacht Seafarer from Suva Harbour during the night of December 27 has created somewhat of a sensation. On Monday morning one of the owners noticed that the boat was not at her mooring, and inquiries revealed that the yacht had been sighted at the Flagstaff Station at eight o'clock in the morning, being then some seven miles off the reef passage making in a southerly direction toward the island of Kadavu. The four owners of the boat were at once located and all were accounted for. It was then evident that the boat had been taken by some unauthorised persons. The services of the police were obtained and a party left in the harbourmaster's launch in pursuit. The launch proceeded some seven miles out to sea, but coidd see no sign of the yacht and returned to Suva. Two People on Board All the information that could be obtained from the look-out at the Flagstaff Station was that there were apparently two people on board. It was also said that the yacht was carrying a jib, which, according to yachtsmen, rather discounted the theory that Fijians had taken the boat. It is not considered likely that Fijians would use the jib, and it is thought more likely that an experienced yachtsman is in charge. A broadcast message was sent out in the hope that it would be received at some of the outlying islands where the yacht might touch, but it can be assumed that those on board, if it is their intention to leave the group, will put in at only the most isolated villages for the purpose of adding to their water and food supplies. Good Supply ol Provisions A cutter which lias arrived at Suva from the island of Benga, 20 miles from Suva, reported that the Seafarer anchored for the night off the island and left again early next morning. They state that there were two Europeans on board. Carried on the yacht was also a small outboard motor-boat, the description given resembling that of an outboard boat belonging to a resident which also disappeared from the beach during the night of the Seafarer's departure. The Seafarer had just returned from a trip and was well provided with provisions and water, and is also provided with charts and navigational instruments. Up to the present the police have been unable to trace any missing residents, but it is quite possible that the Europeans reported to be on board may be from the mines, many miners being in Suva during the Christmas holidays. An Adventurous Career The Seafarer, a 34ft. gaff vawl, was built by local yachtsmen 10 years ago and has Jiad quite an adventurous career. She has sailed twice to Auckland and once to Tonga, and has cruised extensively among the islands of the group. On her first trip to Auckland in 1933 she ran into a strong gale off the New Zealand coast after a fast passage of nine days, and was towed the last 30 miles into port. Three years ago, when returning from Lautoka. she was dismasted in a gale, ran on to a reef, and lost her false keel. She had to be towed 80 miles back to Suva. At the height of the hurricane in 1931 she broke away from her moorings and was found next morning high and dry with her bowsprit protruding over the Lami Road. She is a very handy craft, and would be well suited to the purpose of anybody contemplating some such method of making their departure from the Colonv.