WRECK OF STEAM TRAWLER

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14618, 11 March 1948, Page 6

WRECK OF STEAM TRAWLER

STRUCK ROCKS NEAR POET

LEVY

SHIP HEELED OVER AND SANK

(P.A.) Christchurch, March 10. The Lyttelton steam trawler Cowan, of 67 tons, which struck rocks at the entrance to Port Levy at about 9.30 • last evening, tilled rapidly and sank. The Cowan was returning to Lyttelton from the. fishing 'grounds. The master, Captain Mouncer, said the Cowan was nearing Port Levy when the signalman at Adderley Heads called him by morse lamp asking for the name of the vessel, which was given. About a minute later the Cowan struck. Captain Mouncer at once called Adderley Head, but the water reached the dynamo and all the light failed. The engine was still working, so he turned the vessel with the intention of beaching her in Starvation Bay. “Some of the men were, clearing away the lifeboat,” said Captain Mouncer, “but the ship suddenly heeled over and sank. There were three men in the boat, but the- rest of us were in the water, with the exception of Mr W. Willman, junior, who had jumped on to a rock when we struck. I was dragged down with the ship, but got clear. I thought I would never come up. When I reached the surface I saw a boat rowing round and men in the water were calling to each other. We were all” picked and beached the boat in Starvation Bay.” Captain Mouncer and three men of the crew of seven then rowed to Little Port Cooper, where harbour board signalmen live, picking up Mr Willman, junior, from the rock on the way. They arrived at about midnight-and telephoned to Lyttelton for a launch.