FATAL YACHTING ACCIDENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2398, 15 February 1900, Page 17

FATAL YACHTING ACCIDENT.

FOUR YOUTHS DROWNED. WELLINGTON, February 10. The 14ft yacl^t Spray capsizeel off the hulks in a squall this afternoon. She had six men on board — M. anel H. Whittem, three brothers Thane, and B. Taplin. Three were rescued, including Taplin, and three are said to have been drowned, but the facts are not at present certainly known. February 11. The yachting accident on Saturday afternoon was more serious than was at first reported. Those in the boat were : — Henry Thane, aged 14 years ; Eelward Thane, 12 ; John Thane, 8 ; Herbert Whittem, 20 ; Montague Whittsm, 18 ; Bert M. Taplin, about 18. The yacht was struck by the squall, and, the sheet being tied, the little craft heeleel over and, filling soon, sank, leaving the occupants floundering in the water. Taplir. appears to have been the only one on boarel who could swim. He endeavoured to save one of the Thanes, but eventually had to leave his hold after being drawn under. The accielent being observed from the shore the launch Snark hurried to the, scene, auel picked up Taplin. James Spencer, who reached the spot in a light skiff, succeeded in saving Edward Thane, but there was no sign of Henry or John Thane and the two Whittems, anel these four were drowned. Whether drawn clown by the boat or not is uncertain. None of the bodies have been recovered. The Thanes were the sons erf the Rev. William Theodore Thane, formerly clerk in the Treasury, but more recently connected with the Catholic Apostolic Church. The Whittems are sons of the late William Whittem, formerly head of Whittem, Nicholson, and Co., warehousemen, in business here. Herbert Whittem was employed in the Bank of Australasia, and his brother in the National Mutual Life Assurance office. Edward Thane and Taplin were almost exhausted when rescued. The Spray be-

longed to a syndicate. She had often, beer* ! raced by the Whiltcms mid others, anr j v.-a* regarded as a safe craft, wine: during the afternoon was treacherous, sud» den squalls being frequent.