STORMLASHED YACHT SAFE AT NAPIER

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 March 1947, Page 6

STORMLASHED YACHT SAFE AT NAPIER

OHAKEA FARMER INSTRUMENTAL FOR RESCUE (PA.) Napier, March 16 Stormlashed and with her auxiliary engine out of commission, the 57-foot keeled yacht Waitangi, in distress south of Blackhead, approximately 76 miles south of Napier, was towed back to Napier by a trawler yesterday afternoon. The Waitangi was on a voyage from Auckland to Lyttelton. She had passed Hawke's Bay on Wednesday and when picked up by the trawler which was despatched in response to a radio call for help the Waitangi was lying between Cape Tumagain and Blackhead. The yacht left Auckland on Tuesday morning, March 6, having been bought by Mr. J. H. Killian, of Lyttelton, who was endeavouring to sail her non-stop to that port. A storm struck the vessel early on Thursday morning, carrying away some of her sails. The auxiliary motor failed and as the yacht was unable to continue it was decided to send out an S.O.S. call from the yaeht's radio. This was picked up by an amateur operator, Mr. G. McDonell, a farmer, of Ohakea, who advised the Marine Department, Wellington. At 10 p.m. Friday radio contact with the yacht was established by W. Taylor, of Napier, who subsequently maintained contact On board the yacht were Mr. Killian and his wife; Mr. K. W. Windsor, of Auckland, as wireless operator; Mr. M. Yule, also of Auckland, and an elderly man named Hiller.