DISABLED LAUNCH

Otago Witness, Issue 4042, 1 September 1931, Page 9

DISABLED LAUNCH

ADRIFT FOR THREE DAYS.

OCCUPANTS SUFFER FROM THIRST.

NAPIER, August 26. To be adrift in a disabled launch for three days without water was the experience of Mr W. Neville, of Portland Island, and his two children—Bessie, aged 11, and Ralph, aged 9—who finally reached the Napier breakwater at a late hour last night in a small flimsy dinghy. The launch and its three occupants drifted with wind and tide from Portland Island, off the Mahia Peninsula, to Pauia Reef, near Napier, and back again to Waihua, north of Mohaka, and again back to. Pauia. Here the occupants

abandoned the launch, anchored it, and set out for Napier in a dinghy. A mishap to the engine of the launch occurred about half an hour’s run from Waikokopu. As the launch was drift ing towards the island Mr Neville thought lie would be able to make it, but the launch was carried past the island by the heavy seas, and by Monday morn ing it was six miles south of the island. Mr Neville then hoisted the sail and set a course for Napier, but when they reached Pauia the wind changed and drove them in the opposite direction. They then set a course for Waikokopu, but opposite Waihua the wind again changed and drove them south. The three were now feeling the effects of thirst, but it was found that the water jar had been by mischance filled with vinegar. A course was again set for Napier, and the launch was carried well but, and headed for Cape Kidnappers. Mr Neville and the two children then abandoned the launch, and arrived at Napier at a late hour last night. The disabled launch was towed in shortly after noon to-day, and will be repaired for the return voyage.