ENGINE DISABLED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23203, 29 May 1937, Page 14

ENGINE DISABLED

LAUNCH ANCHORED AT SEA TOWED SAFELY TO PORT CREWS TRYING EXPERIENCE (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 28. After being without food and water for more than 48 hours the crew of the fishing boat Viking, Messrs T. Daniels and W. H. Goodman, who were reported yesterday to be missing with their, launch somewhere near the Kawhia fishing grounds, were found about 10 miles out to sea to-day in a very exhausted condition. The launch, the engine of which broke down on Tuesday when it was about to return to New Plymouth, was taken in tow by the fishing boat Galileo and brought back late this afternoon to Kawhia, where the two men are now recovering from their experience.

Acting on a request from. New Plymouth where the Viking had its headquarters, 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 New Plymouth, and Mr J. S. Cully, of Kawhia. From 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.

Another hour brought the Galileo alongside the Viking and the twp men on board 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.

It appears that the Viking's engine developed a defect early on Tuesday morning, and although temporary repairs were effected it broke down again shortly afterwards. Just before this Mr Daniels was attempting _to pour some petrol into the engine tank and slipped oyerboard with the can. He was able to scramble on board without difficulty, but the can sank and they were left without further supplies. The men then attempted to make the coast with the aid of a sail, but no headway was made and so the launch was anchored in a position about 10 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 these 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 a time they were beginning to feel exhausted, so they made an effort to row the launch nearer the coast after the Holmlea had failed to sight them, but they found that the task was too great for their failing strength.; The tow back to Kawhia was not accomplished without anxiety, for when the Galileo, was, .crossing the Kawhia bar the tow-line parted and considerable difficulty was experienced in picking up the disabled launch in the heavy swell that was running. Both boats were finally brought to anchor in Kawhia at 3.30 this afternoon and the two men were taken care of by local residents.

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