SUDDEN DISASTER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 August 1941, Page 6

SUDDEN DISASTER

DEATHS IN MINESWEEPER PURIRI DURING OPERATIONS IN HAURAKI GULF. VERDICT AT INQUEST. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, This Day. That the deceased lost their lives through H.M.S. Puriri, on which they were serving, striking a mine in Hauraki Gulf, was the verdict returned by the Coronel’ (Mr F. K. Hunt. S.M.) at an inquest today on five members of the crew of the Puriri who were killed either by an explosion.or drowning on May 14, while engaged in mine-sweep-ing approximately 81 miles north-east of Whangarei Heads. They were:— Douglas William Blacklaws, 37, naval lieutenant, married, Herne Bay.

Barndt August Mattson, 30, stoker petty officer, single, of Whenuapai. Leon Purkin, 27, able seaman, single, Putaruru district.

John Richardson, 31, steward, single no relatives in New Zealand.

George Edward Roy Hobley, steward, married, of Sandringham, Auckland.

Lieutenant Arthur Holmwood Hyde, stated in evidence that he was an officer on the Puriri on May 14. At about. 11 a.m. the vessel struck a mine and sank within two or three minutes. Lieutenant Blacklaws was on the bridge and was carried away by the blast. He was last seen falling into the sea among stone ballast and other debris. Mattson was in his cabin during his watch below, and no doubt was killed in his bunk.. Purkin was washing his hands in the forecastle and must have been killed instantaneously. Richardson and Hobley were working in the wardroom, or pantry, both of which were wrecked, and their death would have been instantaneous. Immediately the Puriri sank, boats were lowered from H.M.S. Gale, which was engaged in .minesweeping with the Puriri, and an extensive search was made for survivors, but none could be found. Since the sinking, a search of the waters and the coast had been .made by naval patrols, police, launchmen and settlers, but no trace of bodies had been found.