LAUNCH MYSTERY

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1928, Page 4

LAUNCH MYSTERY

OWNER MISSING WITH DINGHY

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

INVERCARGILL. Dee. o

A rather mysterious accident appearto have occurred in connection with a launch which left Port Craig about 2 o’clock on Monday altcrnoon. The boat, which was built b.v George Graham, and was manned by him alone, was last sighted by the Oroti on Monday, when it bad a. dinghy in tow. At 2.-In yesterday afternoon the launch was discovered washed up on Ocean Beach, and was quite undamaged, although the dinghy was missing. It is feared that Graham, who was a young man of 28 years, and an employee of Port Craig Timber Coy, may have boon washed overboard in the gale on Monday night. Relatives arc patrolling the beach between Greenhills and Ocean Beach, hut so far the hodv has not been washed ashore.

DINGHY RECOVERED

INVERCARGILL, Dec. 5

The dinghy, presumably that of the missing man. was located this afternoon on the rocks about a mile from Stirling Point, Bind. The dinghy was examined by a constable, and the conclusion was readied that it was the one the launch had in tow.

It is believed that Graham anchored tin* launch and made for tho shore in the dinghy. High seas were running at the time, and it is thought that the dinghy capsized, and owing to the anchor .stanchions snapping, the launch itself was cast adrift. Graham had no nautical experience, and was unable to swim.