DETAILS OF THE TRAGEDY.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18723, 25 August 1932, Page 7

DETAILS OF THE TRAGEDY.

EXPLORER UNACCOMPANIED. CANOE FILLED WITH WATER. (Times Cables.—World Copyright.) (Received Aug. 25, 12.45 p.m.), LONDON, Aug. 24. Mr Walkins went out alone on August 20, seal hunting and Mr Rymill Chapman later found his kayak in the middle of the lake filled with water. Tho paddle was drifting nearby, but Watkins’ rifle and throw-stick were missing. A search revealed Watkins’ trousers in the kayak and his belt on a small Ice floe close- to a large active glacier half -a mile from the nearest land, but 'there was no trace of Watkins. It is presumed the kayak overturned while he was hunting or was upset by an ice fall from 'the glacier and Mr Watkins, being unable to right the kayak, swam clear and reached the ice floe where he undressed and tried to swim ashore in the freezing water and was drowned. Mr Watkins in an article written at Lake Fjord on August 9, in outlining his plans, said lie was establishing a base 'this year at the lake. Owing to the absence of blizzards he hoped to demonstrate that it was usable for flying practically daily. In the meantime, ■his first step was to build a house from stones and earth, Esquimeaux style. He added: "We shall hunt even' day in kayaks, seeking sharks for dog food, and seals and bears for food. All meat will be dried and smoked for tho winter. The skins will be used for clothes, tho blubber used for cooking and heat. It should take a month to gather food, after which we will prepare for the journey to tho ice cap In the interior. The nearest Esquimeaux are sixty miles away.” Flight Lieutenant Daeth, who flew in the expedition last year, said that. Mr Watkins’ work at Lake Fjord was intended to prove the feasibility of the Northern Transatlantic air route. Ho paid high tribute to the explorer’s qualities of leadership. Mr Watkins, before his departure for the Arctio became engaged to Miss Margaret Graham, who is at present yachting with Mr and Mrs Courtauld on the Scottish coast. There is no means of communication with Miss Graham who is unaware of ihe tragedy. Her father, Colonel H. G. Watkins, is abroad and her mother died in 1928 by falling over a cliff at Beachy Head and her body was not recovered. It is recalled that Watkins in a former expedition was very interested in llm use of-kayaks and became proficient in their management, and adept at bunting in canoes.