HOPE ABANDONED

Southland Times, Issue 22131, 27 September 1933, Page 5

HOPE ABANDONED

MISSING LAUNCH WRECKAGE WASHED ASHORE SEA FUNERAL TO-DAY (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, September 26. Little hope is now, entertained for the safety of the four occupants of the fishing launch Santina which became separated from the other vessels of the fleet near Baring Head yesterday morning and arrangements have been made for a sea funeral for the victims to-morrow afternoon. Although a persistent and diligent search has been conducted over a wide area, no trace of the men has been discovered. Further wreckage, apparently from the missing launch, has been recovered and a 12-foot rowing boat, painted white with a green bottom, was found at Fort Ballance today. Companions of the missing men in the fishing fleet believe that the launch is almost certain _to _ have foundered and the Cook Strait Fishermen’s Association has made plans for the holding of a funeral service at sea to-morrow afternoon.

The party will leave Island Bay at 2 o’clock to-morrow afternoon and will proceed to the neighbourhood of Baring Head and the service will be held in the vicinity where the launch is believed to have foundered.

The launch crew comprised: Vincensco Costa, aged 50 (skipper), 24 Trent street, Island Bay. Paolo Panozzo, aged 42, 11 Trent street, Island Bay. Generara Amitrano, aged 40, 18 Reef street, Island Bay. Ronald Frank Alley, aged 15, 18 Reef street, Island Bay.