Aquatic Accident.

Opunake Times, Volume VI, Issue 253, 9 February 1897, Page 2

Aquatic Accident.

Wellington, February 5

The men-o'-war's boats have been engaged in sailing races while in the harbor. The Wallaroo galley won Admiral's Cup, and this afternoon cutters from the Orlando, Lizard, and Wallaroo competed for Lady Brassey's Cup. Unfortunately, a very strong northerly breeze was blowing, and off Point Jcrmingham two of the boats capsized, and one man was drowned —J. Robinson, a marine belonging to the L ; zard. Going round a buoy a sea caught the Lizard's cutter on the lee side, and before she could right herself another struck and swamped her. She gradually sank, and left the men men struggling in the rough water. A gig attempted to go to the rescue, but was swamped as well, and sank. The men endeavored to hold on to the boats, bat they turned over and over and maso it difficult to do so, and the majority supported themselves by oars, water breakers, and anythiug that was floating. The Wallaroo's galley picked most of them up, and, though other boats helped, the men say that but for her more must have been drowned. She was hampered in her movements by the fact that wash boards were fixed along the sides, and these prevented the use of the oars. I'ebraary G. Robinson's body has not yet been fouud, and the Lizard will stay behind a few days to search for it.