PERILOUS EXPERIENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1920, Page 6

PERILOUS EXPERIENCE.

FISHINfJ LAUNCH DRIVEN TO SEA RETURNS AFI'LR HURRICANE. Grave anxiety was experienced in Kawhiij during the end of last week regarding the safety of the crew of the fishing launch Heather, which failed to return to port on the night of Wednesday. The Heather loft Kawhin early on .Wednesday under the charge of Mr. Rcrt Lynch, who had with him a native named Moki Piiiuipi. In company with the auxiliary ketch Elbe) the Heather proceeded in the direction of (iannet Island for the day's felling. A strong easterly wind was blowing, which am dually developed into a gale, and the Ethel returned safely that night. Engine trouble left the Heather 'at the mercy of the hurricane. She attempted to make shelter at Albatross Point \mdor sail, hut was gradually driven to the open sea, making leeway on each tack. I'.y Thursday night she was thirty miles off land, and quite out of sight of search parties on shore. The marine Department was communicated with, and coastal steamers were warned to keep a bright look out, but no sign of (he missing craft was observed until Saturday morning, when a telegram from Marokopa reported a small vcss'el moving up the coast. The Ethel, which had been outside unavailingly searching all Friday, nowgot into touch with the weather-beaten little vessel, supplied the men with food, water and tobacco, and the two boats returned to Kawhia late on Saturday afternoon. That the laiince. should have successfully resisted four days of unprecedented storm speak* well for the wesitherly qualities of the boat and the endurance of the men who were heartily congratulated on their return.