THE TUG STIRLING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 197, 21 August 1899, Page 4

THE TUG STIRLING.

THE TUG STERLING;

Details of the stranding of the tug Sterling at Kaipara Heads on Hour day last show that the captain and crew worked very pluckily and hard to save the vessel.

She was lying at anchor near the landing-place at the Head, arid dur-. ing a hurricane squall she parted, from her /Captain; Eobertr s<?ii endeavoured, %Q\ save her from drifting, ashore by backing her outy and would have done:,so\'.successfully had not an enormous sea struck the vessel, casting her on the rocky shore.

At once kedge anchors and other, appliances were got'out and the boat was removed from her dangerous position to a .sandy beach 50 yardi to th.c north of the landing-place. She was secured here, but the waves continued to break over her, carrying away all 'the moveables on.. deck. After everything possible had been done on the vessel the captain made arrangements for getting the men. ashore.

The lifeboat *was lowered, but was instantly swamped.- A line was then cast ashore, and a hawser firmly fixed to a tree. The cook attempted the landing first, going hand over hand. He was washed off .the line, and a, stoker named Thomas Thompson at once jumped in to attempt to save him. Thompson was, however, at once seized with cramp and was nearly drowned. Ropes were thrown to both men by Mr Wells, postmaster at Te Kopuru," and they were hauled ashore much exhausted. The rest of the crew got ashore-with difficulty.

For three days the Sterling was swept by huge seas. On Thursday Captain .Worsy, Marine Surveyor, and the manager of the Company, Mr James Stewart, arrived with the necessary appliances to float the vessel. On Friday pumping operations were commenced, »nd nad her afloat in the afternoon. She was towed to Helensville, where she will be hauled up on the slip for repairs."

A final sale of Mr James Mason's trees is advertised in another column to be held on Wednesday next at the auction mart of Messrs Arthur Tooman and Co., Qneen-st. ■../

Wonderful value: Coal vases, fire* ii'ons, fenders, at the lowest possible prices; largest selection ever sho\vn; ; call early and inspect.—Tonsou Gal* lick Company (Limited).-—AcL