YOUTHS' TERRIBLE ORDEAL
Adrift in Storm in Stolen Launch
TOWNSVILLE, January 25.
During the fierce gale on Monday night two inexperienced youths were tossed in a 25ft, launch, amid the stormy waters off the coast. They had no idea of their whereabouts, and only had canvas for power, the engine being out of commission.
The two lads were aged 18 years, and had stolen the launch, Florence, from her moorings in Ross Creek early on Monday morning. They were apprehended by the police yesterday, and told of a harrowing experience throughout the night.
ILL WITH SEASICKNESS.
The sails were torn to shreds, and so ill were they with seasickness that they lashed the rudder and sails, and drifted aimlessly, expecting the boat to founder at any moment. At daylight on Tuesday they observed the beach, and with heavy seas rolling in took a risk with the, boat and ran it up on the beach, to find that they were about a mile on the Townsville side of Rollingstone, having in 24 hours travelled about as many miles. At a nearby farm they got some food without disclosing their identity, and camped in the boat well up on the beach for the night. Yesterday morning they sought benzine supplies without avail, and then decided to "jump the rattler," only to learn that no trains were running on the Ingham line. They then set out to walk to Townsville, and after having traversed about a mile were met by the police.
Defendants were charged in the names of Norman Charles Baxter, 17 years 10 months, and Alexander Young 18, that on January 21, 1934, at Townsville, they stole a motor launch named Florence, the property of Carl Gustav Noack, valued at £240. Defendants pleaded guilty.
Detective Sergeant Keefe said the defendants certainly took a great risk, and were lucky In getting so far.
Baxter was fined £5, In default two months' imprisonment, and Young £10, or four months' imprisonment, the Police Magistrate, Mr. M'Kenna, adding he had taken into consideration the rough time the youths had experlenced in the cyclone.
Source: Trove The Courier-Mail, Brisbane, Queensland 26 January 1934