TOTAL WRECK IN 5 MINUTES

Evening Star, Issue 21753, 22 June 1934, Page 8

TOTAL WRECK IN 5 MINUTES

FISHING BOAT CAUGHT IN GALE DASHED OH WHALE ISLAND CREW SPEND NIGHT IN ROCK CREVICES [Peb United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 22. Caught in the gale and high sea, the seine fishing boat To Toa was lifted bodily and tossed like a cork on to the scoria rocks of Whale Island, 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 gala increased. Meantime, two other fishing boats, the Maude E and the 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 with him aboard Norman Owens (in charge), Charles Wright, .Hoy, Wright, and W. Waugh. The loss ia a tragedy to the owner, who is getting on in years, Mr Wright having in* rested the whole of his life savings in the boat which, with the fishing gear and engines, is valued at £2,200. It was uninsured, because Mr Wright coud not afford to pay the heavy, premiums required. The Te Toa for many years carried passengers and mail in Manukau Har-< hour, but for the last couple of years was used as a fishing boat. The crew are all well, and were brought to Auckland to-day, having been taken aboard the Maude E and the Cellina when the sea moderated.