DASHED ON THE ROCKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 13

DASHED ON THE ROCKS.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 20. The launch'Minnehaha was dashed oK to tlie rocks near the pile light in Lyttelton Harbour yesterday afternoon, and the passengers had a fortunate escape. The launch was owned by Mr Andrew Jeffreys, who, with Mrs M. Illingworth, her son George, h-r aaughter-in-law, Mrs L. Illingworth, and the latter’s baby, left Lyttelton on a trip to Rapaki. The women were left in the launch when the destination was reached, and the men went ashore. A sharp southerly storm came up, and a dinghy containing Mr Illingworth sank just as he regained the launch from the shore. The launch was then headed for Lyttelton, but the engine broke down just as it reached the pile light. .

The craft drifted helplessly towards the shore, and was dashed against the rocks. The women were rescued with minor injuries. The damage to the launch is estimated at £lO. A hole was torn amidships above the- waterline, and another on the starboard side below the waterline. The vessel was in a sinking condition when the launch Omttfa took her in tow, and kept her afloat until she reached the boat slip at the eastern end of the inner harbour. Th* sunkcA dinghy was salved last evening