LAUNCH DISASTER

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1927, Page 1

LAUNCH DISASTER

OFF KAIPaTTA HARBOUR

Thy telegraph—per press association.]

AUCKLAND. Feb. 23

The launch .Mercia, which sailed from Alerrer on Sunday afternoon, for Aucklaml. via North Cape, was swept ashore by heavy seas oil the south side of the entrance to Kaipara Harbour in the. early hours of this morning, and Mr L. Walters, of Auckland, who was one of the. crew, is missing. The owner of the vessel, Mr W. H. Oliver, of Mercer, who was missing all day to-day, staggered in to Bucklands station, at South Head, near Kaipara this evening, in an exhausted and injured condition. The three other members of the crew. Air Oliver’s two sons, Willoughby and Clem, and AIT A. Hipkins, of Auckland, ale known to be safe. The members of the party had a terrifying experience when the Alereia was nearing the entrance to Kaipara Harbour on her way north. The engine stopped. Heavy seas were then limning. and an nnclior was cast, hut soon after, the anchor rope broke, and the anehor was lost. The launch was now at the mercy of tlie heavy breakers, and she commenced to drift rnpidl\ towards the shore. Desperate endeavours were made to restart the engine but without success. When near tin shore, the deck house was carried away l.v a huge v.ave, and .Messrs Oliver, senior, lin'd Waters were washed overboard. The other three managed to cling to the Alereia until .she was, driven up on the beach. They wore all exhausted, and badly bruised. Their plight was made worse by the anguishing thought that, the other two were drowned. Air Oliver came ashore some distance from the launch and throughout to-day he wandered about among the .sandhill.until about o p.m. when he came upon Bucklands Station, seven or eight miles inland.

The manager. Air Hopkins, gave him food and put him to bed. It is not thought that his condition is serious. Up to midnight no word was received concerning Mr Waters. It is possible he also wandered inland, like All- Oliver, but was unable to find a farmhouse. The country thereabout is very desolate and lonely, and miles ol sandhills make walking very difficult. Constable Hunt, of Helensville, left for South Head late this evening and will commence a search early this morning. AH Hipkins. and the brothers Oliver camped near the launch this evening. Air Waters, who resides at Devonport. is married with four _ children, and is a printer by occupation. The launch Alereia was built at Mercer by Air Oliver. One of the objects of the cruise was the cherished hope ol the owner to take the first Waikato built boat round North Cape. Galls were to bo made at AVhangaron and at Russell, where some days were to he spent in sword fishing. The Alereia was a sturdily-built vessel, capable ol withstanding heavy weather. The vessel’s length was 38.1 loot beam 10 led and sho was propelled by a 00-horse power engine. Reports from Kaipara indicate that very heavy seas were running last evening. F.very effort will he concentrated to-morrow in finding Air W liters If he was washed ashore, it is presumed he would he in an exhausted condition after a light with the breakers. Ho would also he without food, so that any search will have to be made without delay.