LAUNCH SAVED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 12

LAUNCH SAVED

TEN MILES AT SEA CREW EXHAUSTED NO FOOD OR WATER ENGINE BREAKS DOWN [BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT] KAWHIA, Friday After being without food and water for more than 48 hours, the crew of the fishing-boat Viking, Mr. T. Daniels and Mr. W. H. Goodman, who were reported yesterday to be missing in their launch somewhere near the . Kawhia fishing grounds, were found by the fisliing-boat Galileo about ten miles out to sea today. The men were in a very exhausted condition.

The engine of the launch, which was owned by Mr. H. J. McKain, of New Plymouth, broke down on Tuesday when the boat was about to return to New Plymouth. It was taken in tow by the Galileo and brought late this afternoon to Kawhia, where the two men are now recovering from their experience.

Acting on a request from New Plymouth, the Galileo left Kawhia early this morning under the charge of Mr. C. Robinson, who was accompanied by his brother, .Mr. A. Robinson, both of Now Plymouth, and Mr. J. S. Culley, of Kawhia. From the Kawhia Heads a course was set west-south-west off Albatross Point, and after about two hours the masts of the missing launch were seen on the horizon. Suffering from Hunger Another hour brought the Galileo alongside the Viking, and the crew, both single men, Mr. Daniels being 150 years of age and Air. Goodman 28, were found to be suffering severely from hunger and thirst. They were given hot drinks from the emergency supply, carried on the Galileo, and the launch was then taken in tow. The Viking's engine developed a defect early on Tuesday morning and, although temporary repairs were effected, it broke down again shortly afterward. Just before this, > Mr. Daniels was attempting to pour some petrol into the engine tank and slipped overboard with the can. He was able to scramble on board without difficulty, but the can sank, and they were without further petrol supplies. Attempt at Rowing

The men then attempted to reach the coast with the aid of sail, but no headway was made, and so the launch was anchored in a position about ton miles from Albatross Point. On Thursday afternoon they sighted the steamer Holmlea about three miles out to sea, but although they sent up two rockets, they were not seen. They continued to keep an anxious watch for passing vessels, but the only time they had hopes of being rescued was when they saw one of the two aeroplanes sent out to search for them yesterday. Again their efforts to attract attention were unsuccessful. After being without food and water for so long that they were beginning to feel exhausted, Mr. Daniels and Mr. Goodman made an eflort to row the launch nearer the coast after the Holmlea had failed to sight them, but they found the task was too great for their failing strength. Tow-line Breaks The tow back to Kawliia was not accomplished without anxiety, for when tlio Galileo was crossing the Kawliia bar the tow-line parted, and considerable difficulty was experienced in picking up the disabled launch in the heavy sweli that was running. Both boats were finally anchored in Kawhia at 3.30 this afternoon, and the two men were cared for by local residents.

Much credit for their rescue must go to the Robinson brothers for their resource and seamanship. Mr. H. S. Robinson, who was lost last year when the launch Campbell, also owned by Mr. McKain, was wrecked near Kawhia, was another member of the family.