LAUNCH WRECKED

Hokitika Guardian, 5 June 1926, Page 1

LAUNCH WRECKED

[I!Y TELEGRAPH PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.} AUCKLAND, June l. The adventurous-voyage'of the Auck-

land lauenh Ko:i, which set out for the Norfolk Islands on Saturday, May 8, was brought to a. disastrous conclusion on Thursday night, when after days of buffeting in a severe storm, off tlio Northern Coast, she rein ashore at Twilight Bay, about six miles south of Capo Maria Van Dieman, and was totally wrecked. The crew of five, all of whom are safe, consisted of the owner, Air Were H/irrison, of Poiisonby, Air R. Morrison, of Ponsonbv, who acted as engineer, AH D. Bernard, of Silverdale, who joined at Bussell, Air Don Bussett, of Norfolk Island, and Air B. Adams, aged 10, of Norfolk Island, both of whom came to Auckland in the auxiliary schooner Resolution. Air Harrison was taking the Koa to Norfolk Island to assist in the whaling industry. He left for tlm North to pick ii]i the schooner Besolution later, and follow her to the Island. The launch, missed tins connection, and was Knight in the stormy weather. She' sheltered in Twilight Bay. where the Karu was wrecked; but she. dragged anchors, and it was filially decided to beach her. Lifebelts were donned and the vessel ciime ashore on a huge breaker, and (h crew scrambled to safety Tho launch was smashed to pieces. Assistance arrived and tho crew were taken to the To Pal;i station. Tho launch was not insured prior to leaving Auckland, owing to the fact that she was going outside of Now Zealand waters. The Resolution made l.he trip to Norfolk Island ill six and a half days, arriving there early this morning. Had the Koa accompanied her. she would have had a very uncomfortable voyage, as the schooner was beset most of tlie way with very severe stormy weather.