THE PIOTON BOAT ACCIDENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3882, 25 September 1880, Page 3

THE PIOTON BOAT ACCIDENT.

M<r Wachsmann sends us the following account of the accident : — We left Kahikatea Bay at half-past twelve on Sunday, the 19th, to proceed to Watamonga as usual for our letters and papers. We first pulled out into the channel so as to catch the nor'-west wind that was blowing, and then set eail. The wind was very light, and all wont well with us until rounding the point of Watamonga Bay, when as Bush was steering and controlling the boat, and as the wind was right behind -us, I went forward (o take in the jib, after particularly cautioning Bush to bo sure and keep the main sheet clear and ready to let go in an instant if required, as when rounding these points of land, the wind is likely to be gusty. He replied, " All right old man," but my baok was hardly turned before the boat was over, and we were both struggling in the water. On regaining the bottom of the boat, I said " For goodneaß sake, Bush, why didn't you 'let go the sheet." He roplied, " So I did, only the rope got entangled in my legs." In the excitement of the moment ho must hsrre let j?o the tiller, and the boat broached to, and of course, as the Bhcot was foul, upset. iFor the firet half-hour we both managed to stick to the boat, although she was rolling over and over, as the mast and eail were caught in the under current. After a bit I managed to cut the mast adrift, which steadied tho boat, and Bush waa able to take one boot off. Ho then, feeling the cold severely, wanted to swim ashore, although we could see assistance was coming from Watamonga. Although I strongly objected, he determined to try, as the distance was only about 180 yards. But the poor chap must >have been attacked with the cramp, for when about half way he disappeared and *I never saw him again. I stuck to the kedl of the boat, and was picked up by Mr Hector M'Cortnick, of Watamonga, after beiqg in the water for nearly an hour, in a raging «c& and 'hitter cold wind. Although nearly insensible with cold and cramp, tho prompt care and sttention shown me by the M'Coraiioka and Campbells, of Watamonga, on my .being i brought ashore, ■soon revived me ; and .assistance having come from Picton with CoMtable Kiely of tho police force, we dragged till midnight of Sunday and again on Monday, from daylight till .noon, with two boata, ibut without findiog tho>body. Everything has been iono that wa* possible, and I will remain on rbto scene of tho. accident for a fortnight, to .see if the body can be recovered. Great praise is duo to Mr M-'Cormick for so promptly coming to the rescue, to Mr Campbell for starting for Picton in i&fl boat, having to pull six jsiles rtgainafc a .strong nor'-wester ; and all those kind friends who vclunlcored in searching for j tho body- Ueceasei was a native of Bristol, waa 24 years of ago, and formerly a clurk in the Union Bank, Chrit>tehureh ; but ux the confinement of an o*Jice was injurious to his health, ho had to resign his appointment in tho Bank, and with Aafcton Wachsmann was partner in the TC ihilcatoa property. He » n» well known in Chnstehuroh, and wa? greatly wp-'cied for Ida t!?sdine. c s anJ uprfvitn. ?9 Qt flinMcter, '