TIMELY DISCOVERY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 126, 29 May 1937, Page 10

TIMELY DISCOVERY

Missing New Plymouth Launch CREW IN EXHAUSTED CONDITION [ Per Press Association. J AUCKLAND, May 28. After being without food and water for more than 48 hours, the crew ot the fishing boat Viking, T. Daniels and W. H. Goodman, who were reported yesterday to be missing with their launch somewhere near the Kawhia fishing grounds, were found about 1U miies out io sea today in a very exhausted condition. The Launch, wnose engine broke down on Tuesday when n was about to return to New Plymouth, was taken in Low by the fishing boat Galileo ana brought back late mis afternoon to Kawma, where the two men are now recovering from their experience.

Acting on a request from New Plymoutn, where the Viking had its headquarters, the Galileo left Kawhia early this morning under charge ol C. Kobinson, who was accompanied by his brother A. Rooinson, both of New Plymouth, and J. 5. Culley, of rvawhia. From Kawhia Heaus a course was set west-south-wesc on Albatross Point, ana after about two hours the masts of the mGsing launch were seen on the horizon. Another hour brought the Galileo the Viking and the crew, both single men, Daniels being JU years ol u o e and Goodman 28, were lound to oe suffering severely from hunger ana thirst. I'iiey were given hot drinks from an emergency supply carried on he Galileo anu the launch was then aken in tow.

It appears that the Viking’s engine developed a detect early on Tuesday morning, and although temporary repairs were eftec.ed it broke down again shortly afterward. Just before tnis Daniels was attempting to pour some petrol into the engine tank and slipped overboard witn me can. He was able to scramble aboard without difficulty, but the can sank and .hey were left without further supplies. The men then attemped to make the coast with the aid of a sail but no headway was made, and so the launch was anchored in a position abcut 10 miles from Albatross Point, on Thursday aiternoon they sighted the steamer Holmlea about three miles out to sea, but although ’.hey sent up two rockets they were not seen. They continued to keep an inxious watch for passing vessels but the only time they had hopes of being rescued was when they saw one of the two aeroplanes sent out to search for them yesterday. Again their efforts to attract attention were unsuccessful. After being without food and water for so long a time that they were beginning to feel exhausted, Daniels and Goodman made an effort to row the launch nearer the coast after the Holmlea had faded to sight them, but they found the task was too great for their fail instrength. °

The tow back to Kawhia was not accomplished without anxiety, for when the Galileo was crossing the Kawhia bar the tow-line partea and considerable difficulty was experienced m picking up the disabled launch in the heavy swell that was running. Both boats were finally brought to anchor in Kawhia at 3 3(J this afternoon, and the two men were care of by local residents. Much t° r thelr rcscue must go to -he Robinson brothers for their re™rCe>and ' eam H. S. Robinson. who was lost last year when the A Uacl Campbell, also owned by H J McKain of New Plymouth was "■reeked near Kawhia, was another member of the family