EXPLOSION ON A LAUNCH

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 22, Issue 66, 25 August 1911, Page 4

EXPLOSION ON A LAUNCH

THE “ CRESCENT ” BLOWN UP ; - SENSATIONAL ESCAPE OF THREE . ■ men LOSS ESTIMATED AT £BOO News was received in Picton on Wednesday morning of a sensational incident which occurred during the early hours in a peace" lul bay down the Sound, and which resulted in the total destruction of Messrs J, Perano and Co.'s fine launch,, the “Ores* cent.” ,

From particulars to hand it appears that the “ Crescent ” was beached last night for the purpose of overhauling and cleaning. Messrs Geo. Baxter, W. Heberley. and W. Gillice slept on tbe boat, and at one o’clock this morning Mr Heberley aroused the others in order to commence work. After dressing, Baxter proceeded to light the lantern, and in a moment there was a flare of benzine, which spread like a lightning flash. Gillice. was on deck, and Heberley at the opening of the door. An explosion of dynamite occurred immediately afterwards, and the three men were hurled some distance along the beach. Heberley and Gillies escaped practically unhurt, but Baxter received painful burns.

The boat was blown to atoms, parts being strewn fully zoo yards along tbe beach. There were about 30 plugs of dynamite and a few pounds of powder aboard, used for whaling purposes. The flames were atone time five or six feet in height. Everything was lost, including the valuable whaling gear of tbe Perano party, and tbe loss is estimated at close on 800. There was no insurance. The engine was found on the beach after tbe occurrence, red hot, and is useless. The whaling gun will probably be good for use again, though the woodwork was all burnt to cinders.

Tbe cause of the explosion was probably on account of a leak of benzine, accentuated by the fact that the boat was lying on the beach on an uneven keel i Mr J. Perano and the members of the party have the sympathy of the Pioton public in their great loss, and all will hope that a few ” right" whales wi.l come their way to recoup them.—Picton Press