BATTLE WITH THE SEA

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1931, Page 3

BATTLE WITH THE SEA

. LAUNCH SEVERELY. BUFFRTEp. .

YOUTHS’ GALLANT STRUGGLE.

In the rough seas which recently prevailed off the east coast of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, numbers of small vessels .were buffeted. Details have been received of a thrilling battle with rough weather off Long Reef, when a launch manned by sis youths was nearly overwhelmed. With S. Croll, Darlinghuxst, at the tiller, the 38ft launch Nesta left. Broken Bay shortly before five o’clock on .Monday afternoon, the crew being unaware that a warning to shipping had been issued that morning. Robert Croll, a lad of 15, was in charge of the engine-room, and the party was completed by ,A. Elley, who is staying with the Grolls, K. . Moffatt and S. Butterly, and R. A. O’Rourke. , ’ , ■ ’ .

The launch, keeping twb miles from shore, met a heavy sea off Palm Be&ch, but the hardy crew kept on their way; Near Long Reef the fresh wind developed into a gale, and huge waves pointed over the vessel. Both cabins were flooded, but luckily the water was kept from the engine-room. Six feet of the copper keel casing was torn from both sides of the vessel, and the anchor carried away. The launch had been proceeding at more than 10 knots, but was now able to make but little headway. Nevertheless, the lads kept her headed for Sydney, bailing strenuously. Young Robert Croll nursed his engine, and sang lustily. More than four hours later the vessel crept insido Sydney. Heads, SY S hours having been occupied in * voyage of about 15 miles.