CAST ASHORE

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 146, 22 June 1934, Page 11

CAST ASHORE

FISHING BOAT WEECKED

CREW'S UNPLEASANT TIME

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, This Day

Caught in a gale and high sea the Seine 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.

Two other fishing boats, the Maude E and Cellina, also sheltering off the island, were unable to render assistance owing to the heavy surge. The Te Toa was owned by Mr..W. C. Wright, formerly of Onehunga, who had aboard with him Norman Owens, in charge, Charles Wrightrßoy Wright, and W. Waugh.

The loss of the boat is a tragedy to the owner,: who is getting on in years and had invested the whole of his life savings in tho boat, which, with the fishing gear and engine, was valued' at fi.2200. It was not insured, because Mr. Wright could not afford to, pay the heavy premiums required.

The Te Toa for many years carried passengers and mail in Manukau Harbour, but during the last two years was used as a fishing boat.

The crew; who are .all well, were brought tOiAuckland today, having been taken aboard the Maude E and Cellina when the sea moderated.