PASSENGERS FAIL TO REJOIN VESSEL

Southland Times, Issue 24114, 1 May 1940, Page 6

PASSENGERS FAIL TO REJOIN VESSEL

STRANDED IN AUCKLAND WITHOUT LUGGAGE

(United Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 30.

An outward-bound overseas liner was at anchor off Rangitoto Reef for nearly an hour a-half early this morning in the fruitless wait for two passengers to rejoin the vessel. The passengers, through travellers from another overseas port, had not embarked when the ship left the wharf, but unsuccessfully attempted to reach the liner by launch late on Monday night. When the vessel was preparing to move away from its berth, the gangway having been removed, a male passenger raced along the wharf and managed to board the ship by climbing through the port. When the liner had sailed, two more travellers, a man and a woman who had been ashore, arrived. When their predicament became known the out-going liner was signalled and the couple managed to charter a launch to overtake the ship. The vessel anchored off Rangitoto Reef just before midnight t~ await the launch which, however, did not venture into the channel past North Head. After waiting at anchor until 1.15 a.m. the liner was signalled to proceed. It then put to sea, leaving the two passengers stranded in Auckland without luggage. They will take the next vessel available to carry them to their destination.