LAUNCH AFIRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 841, 9 December 1929, Page 11

LAUNCH AFIRE

WAIST-DEEP IN WATER, GIRL HELPS FIREMEN OWNER RECEIVES BORNS Despite a praisworthy effort on the part of the Devonport Fire Brigade, which battled under adverse and unusual conditions, a 20-foot launch belonging to Mr. William James Irwin, of Sulphur Bay, Northcote, was badly damaged by fire at Stanley Bay on Saturday evening. A JR. Irwin received burns on bis: x A hands in attempting to quell the outbreak, but lie pluckily climbed into ! a dinghy and attempted to tow the { launch to the shore. . Mr. Irwin and his daughter boarcjed : the launch at Sulphur Bay and set I out for Milford at about 8 p.m. Off Stanley Bay the engine gave trouble and Mr. Irwin put back. He reentered the bay and was working on the engine when it burst into flames. Caused, apparently, by a backfire, the blaze rapidly enveloped the cabin of the vessel, and Mr. Irwin’s endeaours to put out the fire were fruitless. Receiving several burns he gave up the attempt and, entering the dinghy with his daughter, attempted to tow the launch to the beach, about 100 yards away. In the meantime the fire had been observed from the shore and the Devonport brigade raced to the nearest point. The firemen were ready and waiting, but it was found that 500 feet of hose was needed to reach the launch which had become stranded. Finally a lead was secured and the firemen waded into the water. Mr. Irwin’s daughter assisted, wading waist-deep into the water and holding a portion of the hose. Mr. Irwin went to the house of a resident, where his arm was treated. When the firemen reached the launch the fire had been burning for more than 15 minutes and considerable damage was done. Ultimately the vessel was hauled, into a more suitable position and moored. It was found that the cabin and engine were badly charred, but the hull was intact. Mr. Irwin and his daughter were ! supplied with dry clothing by nearby | residents and proceeded to their i home.