Sea Search

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30956, 12 January 1966, Page 10

Sea Search

Sir, —If the facts reported in “The Press” on Thursday concerning the rescue of the crew of the cabin cruiser Helen are correct and complete. it would seem that the actions of the master and officers of the inter-island ferry Hinemoa failed lamentably to sustain sea traditions. In view of the fact that air and sea search had failed to spot the missing craft for more than 24 hours, and since all shipping had been alerted concerning the Helen, surely it was the duty of the Hinemoa to alter course to investigate the light seen by the watchkeeping officer rather than merely to take a radar fix and notify this to the shore authorities. In the four hours between the sighting by the Hinemoa and the arrival of the Maunganui another sea tragedy could well have occurred.—Yours, etc., SEA DOG.

January 2, 1966. The Christchurch manager of the Union Steam Ship Company (Mr H. G. Edwards) replies:—“When the light was sighted the Hinemoa endeavoured to make contact by signalling but received no reply. There was no general alarm at that time. However, the master took the precaution of reporting to the Sea/Air Rescue Service and after giving the position was instructed to proceed on voyage.