CAUGHT IN GALE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 150, 22 June 1934, Page 5

CAUGHT IN GALE

Fishing Boat Wrecked

CREW SCRAMBLE ON TO ROCKS

SPEND NIGHT IN OPEN

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, This Day.

Caught in a gale and high sea, the fishing boat, Te Toa, was lifted bodily and tossed like a cork on to the scoria rocks of Whale Island, in the Bay of Plenty, when the anchor chain parted on Tuesday afternoon.

In less than five minutes she was a total wreck, and the crew of five, who scrambled ashore, were forced to spend the night among the rocks, where they crouched in crevices while the rain poured down upon them and the gale increased.

Meantime two other fishing boats, Maufle E and Oellina, also sheltering off the islands, were unable to render assistance owing to the heavy seas. The Te Toa was owned by W. A. Wright, formerly of Onehunga, who had with him aboard, Norman Owens, in charge, Charles Wright, Roy Wright; and W. Waugh. ; The loss is a tragedy to the owner who is getting on in years, Wright having invested his whole life savings in the. boat, which, with the fishing gear and engines, was valued at £2200.

It was not insured because Wright could not afford to pay the heavy premium required. The Te Toa for many years carried passengers and mail to Manukau Harbour, but the last couple of years was used as a fishing boat. * . The crew are all well. They were brought to Auckland to-day, having been taken aboard the Maude E and the Cellina when the seas moderated.