BOAT CAPSIZES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 329, 16 September 1932, Page 5

BOAT CAPSIZES

(Press Assn.-

A NARROW ESCAPE THRILLING EXPERIENCE OF LIGHTHOUSE REPAIR PARTY IN GRIP OF BREAKERS

— By Telegraph — Copyrlght)

Whangarei, Thursday. A thrilling account of a perilous episode is supplied by a member of a party engaged during last weelc-end in effecting repairs to the Cape Maria Yan Diemen lighthouse, under the supervision of Mr. McLachlan, Public Works building inspector. When Mr. McLachlan and two workmen, also one of the lighthouse keepers and the latter's assistant, essayed a passage to the mainland across the treacherous passage thedr 14-foot surf boat, caught by a tremendous comber capsized near .the beach. One member of the party, . Mr. Hewitt, was unable to swim, and was further jeopardised by his foot being caught in the rowlock. The desperate efforts of the others to rescne Hewitt and save themselves seemed likely to end tragically, when another hig breaker providently swept them all ashore. The struggles of the victims in the surging waters were anxiously watched by a third keeper and three women in the lighthouse, who eventually sent over food and other supplies to the party, who were forced to spend the night on the beach. Exce.pt for a broken rib sustained I by Hewitt and severe bruises by , others, no untoward result occurred from the adventure. Next morning, in response to a ] telephone call from the lighthouse, j three horses wrere despatehed from j Te Paki station, and by this means I and afoot the party aehieved the diificult 20-mile trek to the station, arriving late at night. j It was then discovered that one member who had lagged behind was missing, having lost his way. A j search was promptly instituted, but Uot till 2.30 a.m. was the. missing man located. It is reported that the party is still isolated at Te Paki.