ON THE ROCKS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1930, Page 6

ON THE ROCKS

FISHING BOAT ASHORE

THREE LIVES LOST.

By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, October 1

Three men lest their lives when a fishing launch was driven ashore in an inlet just past Ohiro Bay in a /southerly storm j.isb night. The engine had failed apparently in the middle of the afternodn, the gale blowing the vessel from Cook Strait towards the shore. Desperate efforts were made by the skipper to prevent the launch approaching the rocky coast, but the position grew worse. From eight o’clock onwards, rockets were sent up at regular intervals. The Nelson ferry steamer Arahura was signalled from the shore and turned in to the small vessel’s assistance. She stood in close but could do nothing. One man was recovered later in an exhausted condition but no trace was found of the other three.. As.far as could be found out last night, the names of those lost were—- . Toe Heherley, Jimmy Perano. and Magnus H,miter; all single men' booking at Island Bav. The t'vo former are understood to belong to Picton.

The fishing launch left Island Bay at six o ; clock yesterday morning to fish in Cook Strait. The wind was strong. The engine broke down apparently between two p.m. and three p.m.

Although the survivors were not fit to, describe their experiences it seems Heherley, when tilings were growing worse used a. sea anchor in an attempt to prevent- a disaster. Even the sea anchor must have failed for the drift continued. Early in the evening rockets began to be sent up regularly. Meanwhile the Arahura left Wellington at 7.30 p.m. She was signalled from Island Bay by those who had seen what a desperate situation the launch was in. The ferry steamer abandoned her course and turned in towards where the small .vessel was fighting for life..

The A rah lira then circled and.put to sea again to signal .for assistance. The ferry boat came, in extremely near tp the dangerous lee shore, b fit could-not get any closer. Attempts were made by fishermen to send out, pi rescue party from the shore but their efforts proved of little use. ~ They bad a , terribly difficult 1 task. They .managed, however to find a survivor, who was taken to a nearbv house for attention..,

No trace was-found..of the three missing men, but smashed ■ pieces of the launch have been washed up on the rocks.