LAUNCH MYSTERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22889, 25 May 1936, Page 10

LAUNCH MYSTERY

MISSING ON HAWKESBURY RIVER (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, May 24. (Received May 24, at 10 p.m.) Another boating mystery similar to that of the Thompsons and in the same locality, and, according to reports, concerning the same launch, is reported. Four men who engaged the launch to go fishing on the Hawkesbury River are missing. An intensive search is being carried out. NO SIGNS OF MEN HEAVY WEATHER ON THE COAST SYDNEY, May 24.' (Received May 25, at 0.30 a.m.) It is now definitely established that the launch engaged by the four missing men was that formerly hired by the Thompsons, but since repaired. The identity of the missing men has not been clearly established. They engaged the boat on Saturday forenoon with the object of fishing itt the entrance of the Hawkesbury River. High seas and bad weather have since prevailed. The police boats are unable to search the coast, and grave fears are entertained for the men's safety. They had intended to return the launch on Saturday afternoon. A motor car belonging to one of the men arid some of their clothing remain unclaimed at the launch proprietor's sheds. A severe cyclonic disturbance, which prevailed' over parts of the Tasman, reached its maximum intensity during the week-end. The small coastal freighter Erringhi, trading to Hawkesbury ports, broke her tailshaft and signalled for assistance to-day. She was taken in tow by the pilot steam 2r Captain Cook.