THE S.0.S. SIGNAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 91, 16 June 1925, Page 5

THE S.O.S. SIGNAL.

SEARCH IN COOK STRAIT. TUTANJEKAI "DESPATCHED. Per Press Association. Wellington, June 15. A report from Phmmerton states that a vessel in Cook Strait sent upj S.O.S. signals. These appeared to be in the direction of Titahi Bay. The steamer John and the trawler Futurist are thought to be in the Strait. There is no denite information as to the identity of the vessel. The Tutanekai is being despatched to search.. MESSAGE FROM THE TUTANEKAI NO SIGN OF WRECK. Per Prese Association. Wellington, June 16. < A message received at 3.30 this morning from the Tutanekai stated:— "There is no sign of a wreck. It ia pitch dark in the bay. Wo are waiting for daylight. The Tutanekai is anchored south of the Titahi. The Arahura from Picton has baen standing by since two o'clock, and is now; proceeding on Jier voyage." MISSING STEAMER JOHN. SEARCH UNSUCCESSFUL. Wellington, June 16. Though nothing definite has been announced it seems more than likely that the vessel which sent up the distress signals off Titahi Bay yesterday evening was the John, owned by Holm and Company. The Holmdale and John left Wanganui together on Saturday afternoon, and the Holmdale arrived at Wellington last nigh* aft°r sheltering at Te Cameron, near Terawhiti from noon on Sunday till noon on Monday.

Captain Williams, of the Holmdale, last saw the John's lights at 10 o'clock on Saturday night. She was flying light. The Titoki, which left Wanganui on Monday evening, arrived here this morning, but saw nothing of the John.

The Invercargill also came down from Wanganui on Monday and saw nothing. The Wootton which left Wellington on Thursday for Lyttelton has been sheltering at Port Underwood since and resumes her voyage this afternoon.

Captain Hawick is in charge of the John, and his home is at Christchurch. The crew totals fourteen. The Tutanekai has not returned from the search.