Just then Vital must have seen a break in the foaming 

 barrier and recklessly decided to join us on the outside, 

 for unexpectedly I saw him turn the little boat and head 

 into the breakers. It did not seem possible that he could 

 make it. 



Wee Diver was almost through, white crests forming 

 and breaking on either side, when a large sea made up 

 directly in front of her. The wave struck the little boat 

 with sufficient force to broach her, while water poured in 

 over the side and drowned the outboard motor. It was 

 fortunate that Captain Weems was lying in the bottom at 

 that moment, or Wee Diver undoubtedly would have 

 filled and sunk. As it was, quick-witted Vital grabbed an 

 oar and, using it as a paddle, maneuvered the boat so 

 that its bow was again headed into the sea. He held it there 

 while the wet and startled captain scrambled to a sitting 

 position and started to bail. 



Meanwhile Ed headed Reef Diver toward them, and 

 Kemp, on our bow, prepared to heave a line as soon as 

 we should be near enough. Vital paddled madly to keep 

 from capsizing. With skillful handling, Ed maneuvered 

 Reef Diver to a position in front of the toihng men. He 

 then turned her bow into the seas and, reversing the 

 power, backed the little cruiser slowly in toward the 

 breakers. We were within fifteen feet of Wee Diver before 

 Kemp was able to cast a line in her direction. Then Ed put 

 the power ahead and we towed her slowly seaward until 

 they had cleared the rocks on either side. We then turned 

 and, paralleling the reef, headed west with Wee Diver still 

 in tow. We were all relieved after the narrow escape. 



I returned to the cabin at this point so as not to miss 

 any more of our search than necessary. Once I poked my 

 head outside to see how the small boat was making out, 

 for Reef Diver was bouncing about a great deal in the big 

 seas. 



Search for the Santa Maria 219 



