LAUNCH WRECKED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 868, 11 January 1930, Page 13

LAUNCH WRECKED

CREW RESCUED BY GOVERNMENT BOAT MISHAP NEAR KAWAU The Auckland launch Ozone has been wrecked on Tawharanui Point, Takatu Peninsula, just north of Kawau. Only two men, as far as it known today, were on board. They were rescued by the Government launch Norah and taken to Kawau. The crew consisted of: Mr. Fred Woolley, of 97 College Road, Ponsonby; and Mr. B. L. Sweeney, View Road, off Horltutu Road, Green Lane. Both men are postal officials. They were away on a cruise, and were not expected to return to Auckland until January 21. It is surmised that the launch was blown ashore in the gale on Thursday night or early on Friday morning, when she was returning to Kawau from Leigh, where the men had been fishing. Few details of the wreck are available, but it is thought that the little vessel is badly damaged, as the coast-line of the Takatu Peninsula is very rocky and exposed. Letters from Messrs. Woolley and Sweeney were received in Auckland yesterday by their friends. They said that they had been fishing at Leigh, and were returning to Kawau, intending to stay out cruising in the Gulf for another week. News of the wreck reached the city this morning. Fortunately for the men, the Government launch happened to be passing, otherwise they might have had an unenviable experience on the rocky point.

The Ozone is a 32ft cruising launch, and is valued at £250. She is not insured. Five persons are able to sleep on board. Last season the craft was fitted with a new four-cylinder Standard engine. Mr. Woolley is partowner. Two of his companions in the Post Office are the other partners, but they were not able to make the cruise.