DOUBLE DROWNING FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3534, 7 September 1926, Page 2

DOUBLE DROWNING FATALITY.

FISHING LAUNCH MISSING,

ONE BODY WASHED UP,

A double tragedy occurred off the mouth of the Rangitikei river yesterday morning when a fishing launch carrying William. Samson, a contractor, of Feilding, aged 40, and Thomas Geertsen, a fisherman, of Tangimoana, met with difficulties in a rough sea. The body of Geertsen was subsequently washed up on the beach some distance from the spot where tho two men were last seen, but of his companion there is so far no trace. There is evidence that the craft was swamped, and a lookout is being kept along the coast for the body of the missing man, who, it is assumed, has met with a similar fate. The two men set out in their launch yesterday morning at about 8 o’clock, when the weather conditions were favourable. Later, however, the sea became rough and at about 10.30 a.m. the launch was seen from the beach heading for the shore, rising and falling violently in the water, which at the bar was very rough. It is assumed that at this juncture the men in the boat experienced engine trouble, because they then hoisted sails in order to facilitate their progress. No actual . signs of distress were observed. As the craft, failing to make headway, began to drift down the coast it became apparent to those watching that there was something amiss. In consequence they communicated with Foxton and advised a sharp look-out. Meanwhile the craft had drifted on out of sight. At about 4.30 p.m. Mr. Young, one of the residents at the settlement, went* down the beach, and at a spot about two and a half miles on the Foxton side of Tangimoana found the body of Geertsen. Several fishing boxes 'and a plank from the bottom of the launch in close proximity to the body convinced him that the boat had been swamped. Further scaTeli failed to produce any further evidence of (he wreck, while of Samson there was no trace.

Geertsen, who was about sixty years of age, leaves one adopted son, his wife being dead. Samson was a middle-aged man and had been employed for sixteen years past with Air. T. Boness, of Feilding, whom Samson accompanied on a visit to Tangimoana.

Constables Owen and Ryan, of Foxton are patrolling the beach north of the Manawatu river to ascertain if the body or launch has come ashore.