ADRIFT FOR DAYS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20512, 31 May 1938, Page 8

ADRIFT FOR DAYS

LAUNCH CREW’S ORDEAL RESOUED BY LIFEBOAT OHAPTER OF AOOIDBNTB (■y TUgeapli Fr»„ uwiwn) CHRIBTOHURCH, Tuaaday Tha Sumnar llfaboat craw retouad laat night tha big flahlng launch Roaa Marla which had baen adrift for thraa daya. Tha Roaa Marla, which waa raoantly purchased by tha South Baa Flahlng Oompany for flohlng at tha Ohatham lalandt. waa on hop way from Fort Ohalmora to Lyttelton. Two Fort Ohalmora man, Maaera J. j. Abernathy and A. Mltohell, oomprleed tha orew. The launch left Port Chalmere on Thursday morning and left Tlmaru at 1 p.m. On Friday the crew’s troubles started when the engine broke down off Akaroa Heads. During the night the launch was blown out of eight of land. Hard work by the erew was successful In starting the engine again on Saturday and when a landfall waa made off Leßon's Bay the oourse was se’t for Lyttelton. When the petrol supply ran out soon afterwards sail was set and at 9 p.m. on Saturday night anchor waa dropped about seven miles off Lyttelton Heads. Improvised flares were lit but these failed to attract attention. A light breeze enabled the launch to make her way close Inshore yesterday afternoon and finally she drifted into Sumner Bay. At 6.25 p.m. the signalman at Adde’rley Head signal station sighted what he thought might be signal* from a small vessel and at his Instance the alarm was given. The motor lifeboat, Rescue 11, the only one of Its type In New Zealand, looated the' launch after hours of search and towed It to Lyttelton. The two vessels arrived In port at about 9.45 p.m.