Fire At Sea

A dramatic incident occurred when the crayfishing boat the Rongomai caught fire and sank off Makorori Beach on February 27. Skippered by owner Leo Rolfe the boat is believed to have caught fire when a spirit stove exploded. Mr Rolfe's clothes also caught alight when the fire started and he was forced to jump overboard to put them out.

The fire had too good a hold by the time he got back on board and he was unable to get to his radio.

The Simon-Peter, which was fishing at the other end of Makorori came to Mr Rolfe's rescue and took him aboard. Although the alarm was given and the police and fire brigade were quickly on the scene nothing could be saved and the vessel sank after burning for about 20 minutes. The Simon-Peter and other boats stand by helplessly as the Rongomai (left) burns and sinks.

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