MOKAU PUNT ADRIFT

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1940, Page 2

MOKAU PUNT ADRIFT

POSSIBLY SUNK AT SEA If still afloat, the Mokau Harbour Board's snagging punt which broke from its moorings last Friday or Saturday may constitute a danger to shipping, but, because of its low depth it is expected the craft may either be sunk or stranded by this time. The punt was not missed until Sunday and it was not until yesterday that the Customs Department at New Plymouth was advised oi its possible danger to navigation. The safe course has, howsver, been taken and the Secretary of Marine has been advised of the matter. When inquiries were made yesterday at Mokau, it was stated that at the time when the punt is believed to have broken artrift, there was an exceptionally higli tide, combined with a heavy surge. The strong wind had also shifted around to an easterly quarter. In genei'al appcarance the punt. resembles a miniature Noah's ark. It is 20 feet long by 14 feet ,wide and about four feet deep and has a small roofed erection mounted on it. Two beams, at the end of which is a wheel. project over the bow. No information has yei been received whether it has been sighted. Being a low-lving craft and only partially decked. in a heavy sea it would ship a considerable amount of water and it is possible . that it has sunk