YACHT AND LAUNCH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 11

YACHT AND LAUNCH

ECHO OF A COLLISION' CLAIM AND COUNTER-CLAIM. ( Per Pre«3i A.’t>ociation. ) BLENHEIM. May 28. While on a holiday cruise J>i the Marlborough. Sounds the well-known Wellington yacht Nanette was involved in a dramatic night collision with a settler’s launch in mid-sound and badly hol-cd by the impact. The Nanette sank like a stone in a matter •'! minutes after the party aboard her had scrambled to safety on tho launch. • The accident occurred iu Kenepuru Sound when both the yacht and Jaunc'k were bound for the Temahia holiday resort. The Nanette was subsequently raised and repaired. As a sequel to the collision, w’hic'i happened on December 30, civil action was taken in the Magistrate's Court, Picton, to-day, when J. C. Madderver, clerk, Wellington, owner of the Nanette, claimed £176 damages from Orchard Bros., launch proprietors, of Keneperu Sound, alleging negligence in the navigation of their launch Whareata, which kit the Nanette when ira veiling about 9 m.p.h. Plaintiff contended that the defendants have been negligent, firstly, in failing to keep, cr cause to be kept, a sufficient look-out: secondly, in failing Io observe UTc Nanette and alter the course to avoid a collision,- thirdly, in failing to keep the vessel under proper control having regard to tilie likely presence of other craft in the vicinity. The allegations were denied by the defendants, who counter-claimed £42 10s lor work dc-ne allegedly at the request of tire plaintilT. After lengthy evidence the magistrate reserved his decision.