CREW RESCUED

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20207, 29 May 1937, Page 7

CREW RESCUED

FISHING LAUNCH FOUND.

men in exhausted condition. TEN MILES OUT AT SEA. (Special to Times.) KAWHIA, Friday. The fishing launch Viking, with its Brew safe on board, though at the point of exhaustion, was found by the 3shing boat Galileo to-day, some 10 miles out at sea. The members of the crew, Messrs. T. Daniels (30) and VV. H. Goodman (28), both single, are recuperating at Kawhia, where they arrived late this afternoon, their launch having been towed in by the Galileo. The engine of the Viking, which was owned by Mr. H. J. McKain, of New Plymouth, broke down on Tuesday when the boat was about to start back for New Plymouth and for 48 hours the crew went without food and water, at the same time fighting to make a course. Acting on a request from New Plymouth, the Galileo left Kawhia early this morning under the charge of Mr. C. Robinson, who was accompanied by his brother, Mr. A. Robinson, both of New Plymouth, and Mr. J. S. Gulley, Qf Kawhia*, A course was set from Kawhia Heads west-south-west of Albatross Point, and after about two hours, sailing the masts of the missing launch were seen on the horizon. Another hour and the rescuers were alongside the Viking. The latter’s crew were found to be suffering badly from thirst and hunger and were given hot drinks from emergency supplies. The Viking yyaa then taken In tow. Tow-line Parts. The trip back to Kaw'hia was not without incident. When the two launches were crossing the Xawhia bar, the tow-line parted and it was only with difficulty that contact was again made with the disabled launch In a heavy swell. It was 3.30 p.m. before the vessels were finally anchored in the harbour and the rescued men given proper attention. Praise is given to the Robinson brothers and their helper, Mr Culley, for the fine seamanship they displayed in making the rescue. Mr. H. S. Robinson, who was lost last year in the wreck of the launch Campbell, also owned by Mr. McKain, near Kawhia, was another member of the family. Crew’s Sufferings. The Viking’s engine developed a defect early on Tuesday and, though temporary repairs were made, it broke down a second time. Just prior to this second f&ilure, Mr Daniels, who was trying to pour some petrol Into the engine tank, slipped overboard and only with difficulty got aboard again. The can of petrol, however, was lost and the men were left further fuel. An attempt was made to reach land with a Jury sail, but no headway could be made and so the launch was anchored about 10 miles from Albatross Point. On Thursday afternoon, the coastal vessel Hoimlea was sighted, but two rockets sent up were not noticed. A keen look-out for other shipping was kept but their only hope \ of rescue came when they sighted the tj searching aeroplanes yesterday. The latter, unfortunately, did- not v see the 'launch. The men also attempted to row the launch nearer the shore but the task was too great for their failing strength. They were at the point i>f exhaustion when rescued.