THE WHANGAPE'S DRIFT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 237, 3 October 1908, Page 5

THE WHANGAPE'S DRIFT.

TEMPORARY REPAIRS EFFECTED. NEARING THE REEFS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright) SUVA, October 2. The Union Companys steamer Totua, •which left Suva for Sydney on Wednesday, has picked up the disabled steamer Whangape, which broke her tail shaft near Kadavu, on September 18. The Whangape was picked up off the Lautoka Passage, last night, after having fired rockets. She had effected temporary repairs, .and was under steam, but in proximity to a reef. The mishap occurred on the 18th, in 22deg. 37min. south and 176deg. east. A hawser was passed round the propeller, a heavy swell retarding the work. The ship was in ballast and rolled continually. A sail was set on the 19th, the vessel then being 201 miles from Mount Washington (Kadavu). On the 20th she was 143 miles distant, on the Zlst 88 miles (■when the boat left), and tbe 22nd 55 miles, and on the 23rd 25 miles. The lifeboats were provisioned and a cluster of electric lights set up at the masthead, flares being also burned at night, and rockets fired. On' September 26 the shaft was reset, and the sails put in position. On the 2Sth the vessel was 57 miles from Navula passage. The engines were working and the sea-anchors cast off. On the 29th little or no headway was made, the shaft slipping 30 miles from Navula. On the 30th, the wind increasing, the captain was afraid to attempt the passage, but was approaching it when the Tafula hove in sight, at six o'clock, a hawser being fixed, and the Whangape taken in tow by midnight. All aboard are well. They had a six months' stock of provisions, including 22 sheep.