HIT BY SWORDFISH

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1932, Page 5

HIT BY SWORDFISH

LAUNCH’S BOW PIERCED, SWORD BROKEN OFF. AUCKLAND, January 30. Charged by a swordfish several miles south of Cape Rodney, the Aucklandowned launch Little Jim, a vessel of 40ft,, was struck so heavily that the HQifir aTtfHnV c The swoVfl of the fish, which Was a striped marJin, - penetrated tlio thick planking of the hull oil tho port fdde of the how, aboyo the watorllwj, and protruded Sin. , through the foredeck, the fish breaking -r. its sword. Little Jim, which is owned by Mr J. Knaggs, of Auckland, was proceeding 35 from the fishing grounds between Capo Rodney and Little Barrier Island to Leigh, when the incident occurred. It \ - had passed Tawharanui Point, and was standing off Whangateau Harbour at 9 p.in., travelling up the coast to Leigh when the swordfish struck the boat. A fresh westerly breeze was blowing at the time, and Little Jim, which was travelling at eight knots, was shaken from stem to stern bv the terrific impact after it had dipped into a big wave. The three men on hoard believed from the force of the blow that the launch had encountered a large log or some submerged obstacle. The launch was stopped instantly in the choppy sea in order that an inspection for damage could be made. No leakage was detected, and Mr Knaggs then made his way to the bows to conduct, an examination by means of a torch. He was astounded to see the end of a swordfish’s sword protruding Bin. -through the foredeck, which had been opened up for about Ift. On looking over the port gunwale Mr Knaggs saw the sword had entered the hull about 15in. or 18in. above the waterline. It had passed through two thicknesses of stout planking in the hull and tTie foredeck. The fish had broken clear. The hull had been broken for about 2ft.