FINE LAUNCH BURNT

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12395, 15 March 1926, Page 6

FINE LAUNCH BURNT

OWNER OVERCOME BY FUMES FALLS OVERBOARD UNCONSCIOUS RESCUED BY COMPANIONS Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 14. Fire destroyed the launch Wairete, worth £BOO, off Devonporb wharf at 3.45 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, and her owner, Robert Maynall, who was overcome by the fumes when endeavouring to quench the flames, fell overboard unconscious. He was rescued hy his two companions. When drifting opposite the wharf one of the crew noticed that fire had broken out in the engine-room. Mavnnll went below immediately with a small chemical extinguisher, but the flow from this proved useless. He set to work with blankets, and tried to put out the fire. Soon the strong benzine fumes overcame him, and lie just managed to reach the deck. There he collapsed, and fell overboard. Not realising for a minute that their skipper was unconscious, A. and F. Williams, who were on the launch, saw Maynall sink twice. As he came up the third time they both dived to the rescue. Holding Maynall under the armpits, they contrived to keep his head above water while they clung to the launch, which was soon blnzing from end to entl. Relief came when the launch Esme drew near, having raced from a distance at top speed. After taking the hapless trio aboard, the crew of the Esme made a great effort to save the Wairete. The flames were leaping high, and it was found to be a hopeless task. A large crowd had assembled on the •wharf, and the rescue of Maynall, the timely arrival of tho Esme, and _ the efforts to save the Wairete provided some exciting moments. The Devonport Fire Brigade, summoned by one of the crowd, could do nothing-till the vessel had drifted to the rocks on the eastern side of the wharf. When the launch came within distanoe of a host water was played on her blazing tength. When she struok the rocks she Was badly charred, .being almost totally destroyed, Dr. Rout attended to Maynall, who was found to he suffering from shock more than anything else, and the doctor later motored all three to their homes. Described as the most elaborate and up-to-date vessel of its kind in the harbour, the Wairete, which cost her owner in all £BSO, was insured for £SOO. She was a, 28 h.p. 6-cyclinder seifs. • starter boat, fitted with electric light and all modern equipment, and was practically new. The origin of the fire is unknown. It was suggested by the crew that the engine back-fired end burst the pipe leading to the petrol tank, which was located near the bow in a separate compartment.