S.S. KARAMU LOST.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 210, 5 September 1925, Page 9

S.S. KARAMU LOST.

ALL HANDS SAVED. KEKERANGU'S STERN BATTLE. HOBART, September 4. Tlie latest report regarding the steamer Karamu, which broke down about 120 miles from Hobart, states that she has sunk. Fifteen members of the crew were taken aboard the Karma and are returning to Hobart. The remaining 11 men, who yesterday left the Karamu in a lifeboat and who, it was feared, were drowned, were picked up after being knocked about in a rough sea for many hours. The Kekerangu, which was disabled after going to the assistance of the Karamu, lias arrived hero under her own steam, accompanied by the Waikawa. The Kekerangu arrived minus both anchors, and with the windlass smashed. The crew told a thrilling story. They said that when they responded to tho Karamu's distress signals, she was in a sorry position, with engines broken down, the fires out and 4ft of water in the engine-room, The crew, numbering 25, were toiling for their lives with hand-pumps, while a howling gale was raging. Four strong hawsers were connected with one of the Kararmi's cables, and the Kekerangu steamed ahead, but the hawsers snapped, fouling the Kekeranani's single propeller. The Kekerangu was then helpless, and, before tho anchor could be dropped, she was dashed by heavy seas against the equally helpless Karamu. Without sleep or food the engineers and crew worked unceasingly to free the fouled propeUer and enable the vessel to limp into port.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) ENDURANCE AND SEAMANSHIP. A STORY OF COURAGE. (Received 12 noon.) HOBART, this day. The crew of the ill-fated Karamu arrived here aboard the Karma. Captain Huntley, who commanded the Karamu, paid a tribute to the pluck and wonderful endurance of the crew; also the seamanship of Captain Murray, of the Karma. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the crew of the Karamu on to the Karma. At times it appeared as if there would be loss of life on account of the heavy seas. It was impossible for the Kanna's boats to pet close up to the Karamu for a considerable time. The men were drifting about on rafts. The men who pulled to the shore from the Karamu were rescued after being located by means of smoke signals. They were towed to the Karma. All the men suprered severely from the cold.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)