LAUNCH DISABLED

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1931, Page 3

LAUNCH DISABLED

OCCUPANTS: SUFFER FROM THIRST.

' (By Telegraph —Ter Tress Association) NAPIEIRi, August 2G. | To be julrift in a disabled launch for three days without water was the experience of Mr \Y. Neville, of Portland island, and his two children, Bessie aged 11, and Ralph aged 9, who reached the Napier breakwater at a late hour on Tuesday night in 4 small dinghy. j The launch and its three occupants drifted witli the wind and tide from Portland island., off labia Peninsula, ftY the Paiiiia Reef, near Napier, and I back again to AVaihau .North of Aloliakai, and again to reef, where the anchor was dropped, and ; the triff’ set out for Napier in the dinghy i | The mishap to the engine of the launch occurred about half an hour’s run from Waikokopu. As the launch was drifting towards the island, Air Neville though they would he able to make it, but the launch was drifted past by the heavy seas, and by Monday morning was six miles south of the island. Air Neville then hoisted sail and set a course for Napier, but when they reached the Pa.uia reef the wind changed and drove them in the opposite direction. They then set a course for AYadkokopu, but opposito AVaihua the wind agajn changed and drove them south. The three were now feeling the effects of thirst, but it was found that the water jar had been by mischance filled with vinegar. A course wa.s again set for Napier, and the launch was carried well out and headed for Cape Kidnappers. Mr Neville and the two children then abandoned the launch and arrived at Napier late on Tuesday night. 'Hie disabled launch was towed in shortly after noon to-day and will be repaired for the return voyage.