DRIVEN ON ROCKS

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1932, Page 3

DRIVEN ON ROCKS

MISHAP TO TAURANGA YACHT. ORDEAL FOR FIVE PEOPLE. Tauranga, Nov. 28. A party of five in the keel yacht Matua had a narrow escape yesterday afternoon when the yacht was blown ashore on the southern side of Karewa Island, seven miles from Tauranga. The party comprised Mr. P. Simmonds, part owner of the Matua, Misses E. Whiting and M. Burke, and Messrs. D. Maguiness and B. K. Gifford. They sailed to Karewa to fish. As the weather was very favourable they decided to land on the island. However, a swell from the north prevented landing on the northern side and the yacht sailed round to the southern side, where two anchors were dropped. A sudden squall from the south struck the yacht and before the anchors could be weighed the squall caught the yacht and blew it toward the rocks, dragging the anchors. Mr. Simmonds endeavoured to sail up into the wind, but was unable to do so. The Matua was driven bow first on the rocks. Mr. Simmonds immediately took an anchor and dropped it well out and endeavoured to pull the yacht off, but it was firmly wedged. He then took the dinghy and rowed round the island in a heavy sea to secure assistance. From a fishing boat a line was taken aboard, but the engine in the fishing boat failed, and as it was in danger of striking the rocks it was forced to cast off. It then made for Tauranga to get help. Meanwhile the yacht had turned round and was now facing seawards and bumping heavily. The vessel was close to shore and the ladies were able to gain the land easily. The men again attempted to pull the Matua off on the anchor, which had a firm hold, but without avail. It appeared that the boat would soon break up under the strain, and the sails and gear were removed to the island. The yacht was abandoned. Messrs. Maguiness and Gifford made for the top of the island to signal the Northern Steamship Company’s vessel Tuhoe, which was due to pass the island on her way to Tauranga. The signals were picked up by the Tuhoe, which made for the island. AU of the stranded party, with the exception of Mr. Simmonds, were taken aboard the Tuhoe. By this time the yacht was riding a little more easily, as the tide was rising, and she was not malting much water. A heavy line was carried by a boat from the Tuhoe to the yacht and by the aid of the winch the yacht was grandually drawn off.' A particularly heavy bump just before she came off stove the rudder upwards about six inches and started a leak, which, however, Mr. Simmones had little difficulty in keeping under control with a pump. The Harbour Board launch from Tauranga had arrived by this time, but as the Tuhoe had the yacht in tow she returned with her to Tauranga. The Tuhoe arrived at Tauranga at 7.30 and the Matua. was immediately placed on the gridway, where a later inspection revealed little structural damage. ' Mr. Simmonds states that he will be sailing again within a fortnight. It was extremely fortunate that at the time of the mishap the tide was making, for had it been on the ebb the boat would undoubtedly have been a total loss. Other than a few scratches and bruises none of the party was any the worse for the trying experience. The Matua is 30 feet long, Marconi rigged, and of triple-skin build.