ON FIRE AT SEA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18399, 17 May 1934, Page 2

ON FIRE AT SEA

AUCKLAND FISHING BOAT FLAMES REACH MAST HIGH Their vessel oil lire, at sea, the three occupants ot the seine net fishing boat Choice, from Auckland, Messrs. L). McKay, A. J. Halt and E. G. Godges, managed to save her on Tuesday only after great efforts and in extreme danger. While a meal was being prepared in the cabin a kerosene stove burst, spreading kerosene over the contents of the cabin, which immediately became ablaze. Desperate efforts were made by the occupants of the boat to extinguish the flames, ’ which were leaping mast-high, and they were successful after an hour and a-half. The whole contents of the cabin were destroyed, including three new suits, stores, gear and £lO in cash. Mr. McKay, who is in charge of the boat, had bis coat badly burned and his hair was singed, but fortunately no one suffered injury. The fire occurred when, the boat was three miles out from Whale Island. A high sea was running at the time and if the men had taken to the dinghy it is doubtful whether they would have reached the shore. It was feared at times that the fire would reach the benzine tank on the boat. The engines were not affected by the fire and the boat was able ta reach Whakatane about two 'hours after the outbreak, which occurred at 11 o’clock. It was the intention of the men to spend the winter in the Bay of Plenty fishing, but their operations will be considerably delayed until the boat has been repaired.