TERRIFIC BATTLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 January 1940, Page 6

TERRIFIC BATTLE

AUCKLAND MULLET BOAT IN PERIL WILD DRIVE INTO HARBOUR BEFORE GALE. FEARS OF BEING FIRED UPON. » (By Telegraph—Press Asociation.) AUCKLAND, This Day. “We never dreamed we should get out alive,” said Mr L. D. W. Ball, of Hastings, skipper of the 24-foot mullet boat Teddy, which was forced to sail from Islington- Bay, Rangitoto, during the gale early yesterday morning. The boat was manned by a crew of five, together with Mr Ball’s wife. The anchor dragged at about 2 a.m. and the boat was driven rapidly across the bay. There was no alternative but to run ‘before the gale under a staysail, with the auxiliary motor in use. “Green seas were breaking several feet over the truck and water was pouring into the cockpit,” said Mr Ball. “It didn’t look as if we had much chance in lhe sea that was running. We decided to sail straight up the beam of the searchlight from the coastal defence batteries, displaying our identity number on a piece' of canvas and signalling S.O.S. with an electric torch. We realised that we were in grave danger of being fired upon; yet we were thankful for those lights, as otherwise it would have been impossible to take a bearing. Apparently our message was picked up ashore, as we noticed a Morse lamp signalling.”

“The seas became worse as we approached the North Head. Three of the party donned life jackets and the spinnaker boom was unlashed ready to support another two men in the event of disaster. No sooner had the boat rounded North Head, after doing about six miles in 35 minutes, than the wind veered to the south-west and threatened to carry the boat back to sea. After a terrific battle, the boat reached the shelter of St. Mary’s Bay at about six o’clock. “The Defence units would probably have been within their rights in opening fire on an unidentified craft,” # said Mr Ball, “and their forbearance and consideration will be appreciated.by all yachtsmen.”