OVERDUE MOTOR LAUNCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23044, 21 November 1936, Page 14

OVERDUE MOTOR LAUNCH

BETWEEN SYDNEY AND LORD HOWE ISLAND ANXIETY FOR SIX MEN (From Our Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, Nov. 11. Anxiety is now felt for the safety of Mr Gower C. Wilson, a Lord Howe Island boarding house proprietor, and five other men who, as reported in an earlier message, left Sydney in the 32ft auxiliary motor launch Viking on November 1. The launch is now six days overdue, and arrangements have been made for a naval search. Mr Wilson is an experienced traveller in small craft between Sydney and Lord Howe Island, and had confidence in the Viking, a new boat which had been built specially for him for the use of tourists visiting the island. It is believed that the chronometer which Mr Wilson used for navigation might have failed him, causing him to miss Lord Howe Island, and in that event it is thought that he may be heading the Viking back to the Australian coast. Chronometers seem to have a habit of failing when used in small craft on voyages to Lord Howe Island. A Sydney yachtsman said that he had set out with a party on a voyage to the island last year, but they had failed to reach their destination They cruised for two days in widening circles, looking for the island. They then decided to make for the Australian coast, and they reached Port Stephens about four days later. Their navigating instruments had played them false on the outward journey, but had led them direct to Port Stephens on the return. Early this year the yacht Bissy Girl left Sydney for the New Hebrides, intending to call at Lord Howe Island on the way, but the chronometer failed. The owner of the yacht sailed by dead reckoning, and the island was - missed. Yachtsmen who have had open water experience state that chronometers are seldom reliable in small boats. If the Viking party had failed to locate their objective they would probably steer due west to pick up the mainland before provisions and water were exhausted.

Forty-eight hours before the Viking left Sydney the chairman of the island board of control (Mr E. B. Harkness), on a trial run, satisfied himself that she was seaworthy. Mr Harkness pronounced her well founded, and said that she was in charge of a competent crew. He, and the relatives and friends in Sydney of Mr Wilson and of the 'five other men with him, are anxious, thought not extremely alarmed. Such contingencies as engine trouble, or adverse winds extending the time of the journey were not overlooked by Mr Wilson, who slocked the ship with provisions and water for a 10-day trip. He had left nothing to chance, having on board fire-extinguishers and even oil bags for use in exceptionally rough weather. Mr Harkness has now asked the Premier (Mr B. S. Stevens) to approach the Federal authorities to send a search vessel. He has been in constant touch with the island by wireless. He said that, although the voyage was a private one. residents of the island were on the boat, and the board would take some action to have a search made.

The Viking is of very stout construction. It was specially designed for big game fishing in open water. The members of the crew are experienced sailors, and full navigating equipment was carried. The craft is driven by a 30 h.p. engine, and carried a useful set of sails. She carried a petrol supply, 130 gal-lons-—enough for almost double the distance of the voyage. A Sydney motor yachtsman said the greatest danger was of fire. The boat was carrying probably more than 20 tins of petrol, and, even in calm weather, it would toss about, throwing these together. Tinned petrol was considered a dangerous cargo for big ships, because leakages were bound to occur. It woiild be necessary at times to strike matches on board. There could be a leakage of mfiammable gas from a dented tin which could not be smelt because of the smell of the engine, but the smallest naked flame would immediately ignite it. If this happenr 1, there would be little chance of saving the craft, with so much petrol on board. The occupants of the Viking, besides Mr Wilson, are his son, and Police Sergeant Hammill and Messrs H. Higgs, L. Hart, and Murray. all of Sydney.