MARRED BY MISHAPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26639, 9 December 1947, Page 6

MARRED BY MISHAPS

VOYAGE FROM AUCKLAND TO « DUNEDIN FORMER NAVAL LAUNCH P.A. WELLINGTON, Dec. 8. An ex-naval Fairmile which left Auckland for Dunedin on Saturday had experienced an adventurous time when she j>ut into Wellington to-night. She had originally intended to make the trip from Auckland to Dunedin non-stop, but when the vessel was almost out of fuel, one engine had broken down and the top of the wireless mast had been blown off it was decided to put into Wellington for repairs. She berthed at about 8.20 tonight. The vessel met very heavy weather on Saturday night, when half her aerial was lost, making contact with the shore almost impossible. One engine broke down on the journey, and for about an hour the other was out of action, and until it was repaired the vessel drifted helplessly. During most of the voyage the crew had little or no sleep. Purchased by Mr R. Farry for use as a pleasure boat, the Fairmile is being taken by her owner from Auckland, where she was delivered. There are 12 people on board, including Mrs Farry and two other women. The vessel has her two original motors, which will be replaced by Diesel engines. The Fairmile averages about 11 knots. Mr Farry said he had hoped to complete the trip to Dunedin in about 36 hours. The journey from Auckland to Wellington took about 56 hours. The vessel is expected to leave about noon to-morrow and will make the remainder of the trip using only one engine.