and Escapes

Poacher in Fiji Slashes Ropes and Escapes

A LARGE Japanese sampan, carrying about 40 tons of trochus shell, ran aground on a reef at the mouth of the Labasa River, on the northern side of Vanua Levu, Fiji, on Septemer 23.

Three vessels were in the vicinity—the cutter Ono-i-Lau, the auxiliary ketch Helena, and the motor vessel Adi Rewa.

The sampan was towed off by the Helena and the Adi Rewa, and was placed under a form of arrest by officials on the Helena. The Ono-i-Lau came up, and all four vessels lay there together in the estuary of the Labasa River.

The following is supplied by an eye witness aboard the Ono-i-Lau: “When the Ono-i-Lau arrived on the scene, she found the Helena and the Adi Rewa secured on each side of the sampan, which was afloat and anchored. We were ordered to make fast alongside the Helena.

The District Medical Officer, who was aboard the Helena with a party of police, seemed to be doubtful of his powers in the matter, for no action was taken.

“Then the Japanese captain was heard to say: T think I go off to sleep and anchor.’

“A signal to the crew followed, and all hands drew knives and small axes and slashed at the lines securing the sampan to the other vessels.

“At the same time, a Japanese ran around brandishing a spear, and threaten ing anyone who attempted to interfere.

The sampan’s engine was started, and the vessel made off to sea at a speed of ten knots.

“It was stated that there were about 30 men on board and that the sampan car ried about 40 tons of trochus shell.

“A planter of Udu had previously report ed that a Japanese vessel had been fishing the reef off his property, and that she used to come inshore and anchor each night.”