THRILLING EXPERIENCES AT SEA.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 15466, 10 March 1921, Page 3

THRILLING EXPERIENCES AT SEA.

AVENTURES IN A LAUNCH. HELPLESSLY DRIFTING FOR TWO ■ DAYS AND NIGHTS. * LAUNCH SMASHED TO MATCHWOOD. WAIROA, this day. Mr. Neville, of Portland Island, had the misfortune to lose his motor launch last Tuesday. Last week-end lie started from Wairoa, accompanied by his children. After getting through the river entrance, and when approaching his destination, the engine broke down. He was then left at the mercy of the wind. He put up a small sail, but the direction of the wind did not allow him to make the island, so he resolved to try to return to Wairoa. This also lie was unable to do, and the launch was carried towards Napier. Then he attempted to land on the beach, but a southerly sprung up and the little craft was again driven north, past the Wairoa entrance up towards Waikokopu. The party now had been floating up and down the coast for two days and nights, and. the food was exhausted. Neville determined to beach the craft whatever the risk might be. With this object in view lie steered towards the rocks in between Waikokopu and Euriti. The eldest girl, as they approached the shore, jumped overboard and swam through the breakers. »The other two children and Neville stuck to the launch. As the boat got into the breakers it began to bump the rocks, and finally, on the crest of a huge wave, was thrown ashore. The human freight was cast into the water. The children, with Neville’s help, swam ashore, much buffeted and bruised, but safe. The launch is now a total wreck, having been smashed to matchwood.—Press Assn.