ATTACKED BY A SWORDFISH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1794, 26 February 1918, Page 3

ATTACKED BY A SWORDFISH.

The Auckland correspondent of The Post telegraphs; —The motor launch Virginia, owned by Mr W. H. Hazard, of Auckland, was attacked and damaged by a swordfish off Cape Brett on W ednesday last. A party, consisting of Mr Hazard, Dr. Pope, and Mr C. I*. Anders, of Sydney, were on' a fishing trip. When off Cape Brett one of the party secured with a rod a fish which ultimately proved to be a swordfish probably weighing" between 3001bs. and 4001bs. The lish, on being hooked, made straight for the launch, broached about ten yards away, and, re-entering (lie water, rammed the launch, the sword penetrating nine inches through the one-inch kauri planking. After a struggle the sword broke, and the fish, stilt on the hook, made tor the sea. After being held for another five minutes or so, the line became entangled and broke, and the lish disappeared. The launch was found to he leaking badly, and the party had to put hack to Bussell in. (puck time. The launch was beached for repairs. A piece of the sword was found insidQ the boat. This is slated to he the first instance known in New Zealand where a swordlish has attacked a boat, and it adds a spice of interest and danger to the splendid fishing which may be obtained all along the northern coast.